Launch Pad - a win-win for employers and school leavers

Launchpad makes a difference to young people!

Katherine Hepburn’s Launchpad experience is helping her both professionally and personally.

A quiet achiever, Katherine is gaining more confidence and blossoming in her wide and varied role at Perpetual Trust.

She says she first heard about Launchpad from her careers advisor at Mairehau High School. “I didn’t have any ideas about what I want to do after I finished school so thought I’d give this a go.'' Struggling with nerves in her first interview, after a bit of coaching from Launchpad she impressed the team at Perpetual enough to secure her position there last November. Tasks have included filing, reception, project work and research. “I really enjoy working here and I’m not scared to ask questions anymore.''

Katherine says she is also appreciating her studies at CPIT. “I’m learning all about business administration and document production and am finding it is helping me immensely in my day-to-day work at Perpetual.''

Launchpad has helped Daniel Reinke’s career get off to a flying start. A 2005 scholarship recipient, Reinke is already an invaluable member of the Christchurch Engine Centre’s administration team.

“We’re a company that provides maintenance and overhaul services for Dart, JT8D and V2500 aircraft engines. I am a full-time administrator in the V2500 Facility; there are many different aspects to my job which include employment health and safety, business operations, financial processing, planning and projects.'' Daniel says he first heard about Launchpad through his careers adviser at Hornby High School. “Near the end of Year 13, I was trying to decide between continued study or working full time. Launchpad gave me a third option.'' He says the first few weeks at the engine centre were the hardest because he was absorbing so much information. “But once you get into a routine everything goes like clockwork.'' His part time CPIT studies also helped him adjust to working full time.

“CPIT’s courses were of a high standard and the teachers were very helpful. It was like being at high school but felt more professional. “I received great support from the engine centre and its staff and supervisors. They were always interested in what I was learning. During this time Launchpad also provided me with all the required information and mentoring I needed.''

Daniel says it wasn’t hard to decide that he wanted to continue working at the centre after his Launchpad year was up. “When a position was advertised, I applied, interviewed and was offered a job. Overtime my job has developed and I have been given greater responsibilities, with more challenging tasks, which keeps my job interesting.''

Working full time has enabled him to purchase a house with his partner, while he has also been inspired to continue studying towards a Bachelor of Business Innovation and Enterprise with the centre’s full support. He says he would recommend Launchpad to any high school student unsure of their next step. “If you are deciding between studying or working, why not have the best of both worlds with Launchpad.''

Christchurch Graduation
7 May 2009

An enjoyable night was experienced by all who attended the 2009 Graduation at the Te Puna Wanaka, CPIT. It was an excellent opportunity to congratulate not only the successful graduates, but to also acknowledge the vital support of employers, families, CPIT, High Schools and other organisations. In total, there were 38 graduates for 2009.

Our thanks to Russell Cryer from Classic Hits 97.7FM for being an entertaining MC on the night. Also thanks to our speakers – Hayden Jackson, one of our graduates who gave in-sight into how Launchpad has worked for him, Wendy Somerville from PriceWaterhouse Coopers, who gave an employers perspective, Kate Prestidge a former graduate who spoke about her career since completing her Launchpad year  and Jan Crooks from Mortlock McCormack Law, Board Member and Chairperson of Launchpad.

                                      Outstanding Achievement Award

To be and Outstanding Achiever, the qualities we have looked for include:

    Regular positive feedback from their employer.

    Excellent achievement at CPIT.

    Personal growth and maturity over the year.

    Overall attitude throughout the year.

There were a number of young people who have many of these qualities, so it was a tough decision.

Alysha Metuatini
2009 Outstanding Achievement Award Winner

Alysha attended Aranui High School, a great supporter of ours, where she achieved NCEA Level 3 before applying to Launchpad. She was placed at Anderson Lloyd Lawyers for her scholarship year. Alysha displayed all the qualities that we look for and was a worthy recipient of the award.

The evening was followed by a group photo of all the graduates and refreshments.

Regional Manager Contact : Angela Coley-Brown

Angela Coley-Brown is the Regional Manager for Canterbury, offering support and mentoring to scholarship recipients in their first year of employment and overseeing their progress at Christchurch Polytech.

Angela works closely with employers in selecting a suitable shortlist of candidates for them to interview and provide support and guidance to the workplace supervisor as necessary.