Building skills, confidence and community

Each Friday at 9.30am, a class of young men gathers to build not just their skills, but their futures.

As part of the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1), these learners are taking part in a 17-week, full-time programme. While technically classroom-based, their learning has been anything but confined to four walls.

Supported by Volunteering Canterbury, a network of generous Christchurch organisations and guided by Ara facilitators, these students have been out in the community, rolling up their sleeves and making a real impact.

_{Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1) Friday work placement students, from left to right: Finn Kirkwood, Jay Ball, Caz Robinson, Will Somers, Andrew Edwards and Maurice McKay.}

Volunteering with purpose

For two weeks, the group took on heavy lifting duties at the iconic Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, known as the “Cardboard Cathedral”. Their work ethic didn’t go unnoticed.

“They’re fantastic young men,” said Susan Rendall, Volunteer Coordinator at the Cathedral. “They were a joy to have at the Cathedral. They are polite, worked hard with a very positive attitude and showed a willingness to embrace challenges.”

While there, the group dubbed themselves “the Detergent Disciples” after a particularly enthusiastic clean-up session.

“It’s a religious reference, since we were working at the Cathedral and using soap to scrub the tables,” student Will Somers explained with a grin.

They took what they’d learned into their next volunteer role: supporting staff at the Ara gym.

“We were split into two groups,” said Jay Ball. “Half of us carried everything out from under the bleachers and made sure everything got to the skip bin safely, while the others cleaned gym equipment,” he added.

“We had a great time,” student Caz Robinson added. “Lifting heavy stuff, figuring out how to move it properly. It felt good to work hard.”

Another work placement was at the Urban Farm, where the team embraced the outdoors and got stuck into the physical mahi. Two students in particular, drawn to bugs and the environment, thrived in the hands-on setting.

“I got a little distracted by the bugs,” said Will Somers. “But my fellow co-workers helped me get back on track quickly.”

“I enjoyed having time to be in my own head, doing what needed to be done,” said Finn Kirkwood. “Just focusing and getting on with it.”

“We’ve learned to communicate better and work as a team,” added Jay Ball.

Each placement is supported by a learning facilitator who helps create a safe, structured and meaningful experience.

“I felt nervous at the start,” said Caz. “I didn’t know what to do, but as I learned, I felt less nervous.”

“It’s good having Toni there,” said Andrew Edwards. “She’s really supportive and shows us what to do.”

Learning facilitator Toni Rastrick says the group is a tight-knit bunch who look out for one another.

“I love seeing how the boys are so ready to support and help each other,” she said. “They notice when someone’s struggling and step in to awhi (help) them in a really cool way.”

Will agrees. “We’re good at checking in on each other. Maurice tells great stories and Andrew and I gush over every motorbike we see.”

The group also gives a shout-out to the Monday class, who volunteer each week at 0800 Hungry. “They’re doing awesome mahi too,” said Maurice McKay.

Real pride, real outcomes

Each Tuesday, back in class, the learners arrive brimming with stories about what they’ve achieved. Their reflections say it all.

“I enjoyed being able to help our community.”

“I never thought I’d enjoy this kind of work, but I really did.”

The men are proud of their progress and excited about what comes next. Each of them has their sights set on future work that matches their interests:

• Caz Robinson wants to work in outdoor environments where he can keep learning about plants and growing things - he’s especially keen on a placement with Trees for Canterbury.
• Finn Kirkwood is interested in hospitality and hopes to gain experience working in a bar.
• Jay Ball is eyeing up a future in the trades and would love to explore panel beating.
• Maurice McKay is passionate about cars and would be keen on anything automotive-related.
• Andrew Edwards would love to work in a supermarket or as a salesperson in a motorbike shop.
• Will Somers is interested in working with animals and has his sights set on a placement at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

Before then, they’ll continue building their skills through more volunteering placements. First up is the Red Cross op shop, where they’ll gain valuable experience in retail, customer service and organisation. After that, they’ll head to PIPs Pregnancy Infancy Parenting Support, where they’ll assemble care packs for expecting parents - an opportunity to give back in a different way and connect with another corner of the community.

Demand high for Ara foundation programmes

For many, this programme is a first step toward employment. The real-world experience builds confidence, workplace readiness and strong community connections. Employers see their reliability, effort and willingness to show up and do the mahi.

There is strong demand for supported learning programmes at Ara, with courses often filling up well before they begin. This continued growth is encouraging, and Ara is actively exploring new ways to support and sustain it into the future.

Ara also needs more volunteer placement partners. If you or your organisation has space for a short-term volunteer group and would like to help young people step into employment, we’d love to hear from you – please email Workskills@Ara.ac.nz.

What’s next?

Come July, four of these learners will begin a newly-approved 17-week programme: New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Learning and Working (Level 1). They’ll have the opportunity to take on individual work placements and continue building the skills and confidence they’ve gained so far.

Some are already looking ahead to further full-time study next year and all are eager to work. They just need the opportunity to prove themselves.

“These young men are so capable and committed,” said Kate Gallie, kaiako – Workskills. “They just need someone to give them a chance.”

In the meantime, they leave behind clean cathedral furniture, a sparkling gymnasium, planted gardens and grateful charities, and carry forward the confidence that comes from doing something worthwhile for someone else.