Growing Commerce and Employment in Hutt Valley and region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2014

Growing Commerce and Employment in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington Region

The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Work and Income have come together to encourage businesses in the Valley to consider Work and Income clients, when recruiting staff.

Mark Futter CEO of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce explains: “Businesses throughout the Hutt Valley and the wider region need to know that there are quality staff to recruit. “This initiative provides work ready, enthusiastic candidates when recruiting time comes around.”

Mel Harrington, Wellington Regional Labour Market Manager of Work and Income, says:

“There are many very suitable work and income clients with diverse skills and experience. They will be offered any needed training and then linked with employers where there are vacancies. The Chamber will be encouraging member businesses to consider appropriate clients when making recruitment decisions. We understand that businesses need staff who are work ready and have the aptitude to learn.”

Success Executives, a boutique recruitment firm and member of the Chamber has partnered with Work and Income and the Chamber. Otila Osborne, Director, explains. “Our part to play in the relationship is to identify, promote and deliver a potential workforce to Chamber members. We will be screening, training and educating Work and Income clients to a level of skill proficiency that allows us to assist them into sustainable employment.”

“HVCC member businesses will be offered the opportunities afforded by this new initiative. We are looking forward to matching firms with quality candidates.” says Futter.

Phil O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Business NZ endorses the approach and says “I commend this plan to give employers in the Hutt Valley and the wider region the option of recruiting clients of Work and Income who have received training in skills needed in the workplace.”

Some member businesses who currently recruit Work and Income clients, and commend them to others:

Mark Stewart, Wellington Apparelmaster Ltd says, “We routinely employ staff recommended by Work & Income. Our business has found them to be focused, hardworking and prepared to go that extra mile to enable us to prosper.”

Graham Burke, Director of WorkZone Scaffolds has longstanding experience of recruiting Work and Income clients and looks for commitment, discipline and a will to work for a better future. I currently have five on my team from a similar scheme and look forward to employing more in the future. “I commend the scheme, and encourage any employer in the Hutt Valley to look to Work and income clients when employing staff.”

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce President Helen Down has applauded the venture stating that the Chamber is proud to be leading the way forward bringing MSD and Member businesses together aligning shared goals of getting more people into paid employment through working in a more collaborative manner.

“We are delighted to be spearheading this initiative not only in the Wellington Region, but in setting the scene for other Regions across New Zealand” says Down.

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