Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Launchpad?

Launchpad is a not for profit organisation enjoying national representation with its Head Offices located in Christchurch.

What is Launchpad?

Launchpad is a unique solution that assists school leavers into a professional career and minimises the employment risks faced today by New Zealand's business environment.

Where is Launchpad?

Launchpad is currently located in Canterbury & Otago.

Who owns Launchpad?

Launchpad is a product of the Employment Scholarshp Trust (EST) – a local registered charitable trust formed to promote an employment initiative for school leavers involving a combination of employment, in-work training and tertiary training.

Why was the Launchpad programme developed?

The Launchpad programme was developed by the Employment Scholarship Trust (EST) in response to the difficulties facing New Zealand's young people and the nation's employers.

What does the Launchpad programme provide to School Leavers?

The programme provides school leavers who meet EST criteria with the opportunity toundertake a combination of work-based training and support along with tertiary study toward the National Certifictae in Business Administration and Computing.

How does Launchpad contribute towards school leavers?

For the school leaver, Launchpad is an opportunity to make a very positive step into the employment market with the full support of an organisation dedicated to their success.

How does Launchpad help employers?

Launchpad helps employers by eliminating the risk of employing a school leaver and by finding the kind of individual they need, whilst support their commitment through training and mentoring their new recruit.

Whats of benefit to employers using the Launchpad programme?

Besides being an alternative to recruiting, Launchpad is a rare opportunity for employers to combine social conscience with effective business practice.

How does Launchpad simplify and cut the cost of recruiting?

Launchpad is NOT a recruiting agency. For a small fee, it simplifies and cuts the cost of the recruitment process. This by pre-screening all applicants and hand pick the ones that best suit our employers' needs – most employers end up making a decision after interviewing only 2-3 applicants. Our fees contribute towards the cost of implementing the programme.

How is Launchpad's success measured?

Fifty percent of our graduates have been offered permanent positions with their scholarship employers. Twenty two percent move into tertiary study, which for some is an option they thought they would never have considered. Twenty eight percent are employed in new positions and many are able to chose from a variety of job offers. Over fifty percent of our employers have offered consecutive placements citing high levels of satisfaction, the monitoring by coordinators, training and ease of recruitment for their continued involvement. Continuous demand for the Launchpad programme nationally.

What is expected from the Employer?

The employer is expected to provide employment to a Scholarship Recipient for twelve (12) months at a salary no less than the minimum wage as set by the Government and assign a supervisor to oversee the Scholarship Recipient in the workplace and provide guidance and support in their employment.

What else is expected from the Employer?

The Employer must also ensure that provision is made for the Scholarship Recipient to attend weekly training at the regional tertiary provider aligned to the programme with such time being deemed hours of work and paid for accordingly. The employer must contribute to the training and development of the Scholarship Recipient by signing off tasks in the workbook as they are demonstrated in the workplace.

What happens after the completion of the term?

On completion of the term of the Launchpad programme, the Employer is expected to assist the Scholarship Recipient to find employment by providing support with coaching, potential contacts, CV update and interview skills.