“The West Coast is a unique environment,” says Cath Jennings, a Workplace Advisor at Careerforce.
“It’s quite isolated. Workers are spread out and public transport isn’t always available, which can make access to learning support more difficult.”
Cath and her colleague Steve Peseta, an Apprenticeship Advisor, work for Careerforce, a national work-based learning provider in the health and wellbeing sector. Since 2024, the Christchurch-based duo made a concerted effort to provide more hands-on support to their learners, including those completing apprenticeship programmes.
Careerforce work-based apprenticeships typically span 21 months, with most learning and assessment done online via the Careerforce learning platform. But Cath and Steve saw the need for extra face-to-face support.
“We started running 1-2 day wānanga across the West Coast, to get learners more actively engaged and help them progress through their programme modules,” Cath explains.
Shelley Mills, Hauora Manager at Poutini Waiora with PACT Support Worker/apprentice Margareta Lestari, at a West Coast Careerforce wānanga
“It’s been brilliant,” Cath says. “Most of the learners attending are doing apprenticeships, so that’s our focus. We’ve had strong support from employers too, some even offer their premises as venues.”
Cath notes that while many learners thrive in work-based learning, others face real challenges.
“Some don’t have strong educational backgrounds or may face significant literacy issues. We also work with learners who are neurodiverse, including a number with ADHD.”
To better support these learners, the team brought in Ana Pereira, a Careerforce Learning Engagement Advisor.
“Ana now visits regularly and works one-on-one with learners who need extra support. She offers strategies for managing ADHD and staying focused, which has made a huge difference,” says Cath.
The response from employers and organisations on the Coast has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve built some really strong relationships. Managers tell us this approach really works, for their staff and their organisations. The support we’re offering is making a real difference.”
Shelley Mills, Hauora Manager at the social services organisation Poutini Waiora, is based in their Hokitika office. Shelley says six staff members are currently completing an apprenticeship through Careerforce, with a few more expected to enrol soon.
“We’ve got learners based in Kawatiri (Westport), Buller, Māwhera (Greymouth), and Hokitika, so the fact that Careerforce runs wānanga across these areas has been brilliant. It gives all people the chance to attend without needing to drive for hours.
“It’s been a really rewarding experience for our learners. They absolutely love the wānanga style learning. Having someone there in person to ask questions and get immediate feedback makes them feel much more supported. They genuinely enjoy the sessions and look forward to them.”
Shelley also makes time to attend when she can, saying it’s an important part of supporting her team. “At the end of the day, this is about our learners achieving, making sure they get the support they need to succeed.”
Kaiāwhina Support Worker at Poutini Waiora/Apprentice Matt Bell at a Careerforce wānanga
Matt Bell, a kaiāwhina support worker at Poutini Waiora, began his Primary Care Practice Assistance (PCPA) apprenticeship with Careerforce in December. In his role, Matt supports vulnerable people in accessing healthcare through a kaupapa Māori approach.
Attending two wānanga has been a turning point in his apprenticeship journey, providing both guidance and direction.
“The wānanga were really helpful, not just for the learning but also for the networking. That’s especially important for us on the coast, where it can be challenging to find local providers. It was a great opportunity to build those connections.”
“The wānanga sessions helped me understand how to approach the work. It was great having Steve there to get a better sense of what he was looking for. That made a big difference.”
Disability Support Apprentice, Margareta Lestari, a PACT support worker for people with intellectual disabilities, came to New Zealand from Indonesia 12 years ago. She says the group learning sessions have made a big difference in her apprenticeship journey.
“I enjoy them because the atmosphere is relaxed, which is especially important for me as English isn’t my first language. It makes it easier to take in all the information, especially since we cover a lot in one day,” says Margareta.
“Steve and Cath are very approachable and supportive. They always take time to explain the modules to the group and encourage everyone to speak up and share, which I really appreciate. We have both group discussions and one-on-one sessions, which makes the learning more personal.
“It’s had a really positive impact on my learning. I now have a much better understanding of the assessment questions and what’s expected.”
With the success of wānanga for apprentices, Cath and Steve have now started running 3-4 hour wānanga for Level 3 Youth Work learners. “It’s about listening to the organisations and the ākonga (learners) we support and meeting their needs,” says Cath.
“Te Tai Poutini is a special place and the ākonga we support are passionate about what they do and their community. We feel honoured to support them with their training.”
Contact Careerforce for more information about its Health and Wellbeing apprenticeships programmes and the many supports available to help its learners succeed.
Susan Tattersall