December 2008

Welcome to the Christmas issue of the Valley Transitionz Newsletter.

2008 has been a great year for successful placements and for new people on our programme enjoying the new the experiances they've gained. Also, we've had new employers willing to give our clients a chance to use their skills.

With 2009 not far away, we are busy working with Zeald to design a new and improved website. We'd like to thank the Hutt City council for hosting our current website and helping us spread the word to a much wider community.

Valley Transitionz will be doing a massive mail-out promoting our programme including our contract work in the new year and this will introduce more employers to Valley Transitionz and will encourage interest from more Hutt Valley businesses. This will lead to more job opportunities.

We are also planning a networking event, inviting employers to come and meet Valley Transitionz's manager, Alan Taylor, employers currently using our programme and our clients, all sharing their experiances of our three step programme. 

As this is our last newsletter for this year, Valley Transitionz would like to thank all our volunteers and clients on our programme. We wish you all a merry Christmas and a very happy new year and we're looking foward to working with you towards another successsful year in 2009.

Written by Peter Hall and Colin Stephen.





Question: You haven't been with Valley Transitionz for very long. Are you surprised you have a job so quickly?
Answer: Yes, I thought it would take longer than 6 weeks but I am happy it was so quick.

Question: What is it like working after being out of work for so long?
Answer: I haven't worked for seven years so I feel like I have really achieved something.

Question: What does your job involve?
Answer: I clean the kiosk at the railway station. I do the windows inside and out and mop the floor. I also clean the railings and ledges and make sure there is no grafitti or stickers left on the walls or boards. I make sure the bus shelters are litter free.

Question: Do you get tired?
Answer: It was hard at the beginning but it is easier now as I am getting more used to it.

Question: Have you got the support you expected from Valley Transitionz?
Answer: Yes, when I first started this job, the support I recieved from Valley Transitionz was a real help. I can still ask for support if I feel I need it.

Question: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Answer: I am working 6 hours a week but hope to be offered more hours soon.

Update: Since this interview was conducted, Jacques has been offered more hours and now works a total of 15 hours a week. The employer is very happy with his work ethic.