News & Events > Employers Newsletters - Successful Placement > June 2009
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June 2009An interview with David Stuart (Volunteer worker at Disability Information & Equipment Centre)
Question: What is your role in the volunteer job? Answer: I am learning to sell and give out equipment for the disabled. I am also learning to use the computer for the internet, emails and sales processing. Question: How’s your confidence in the job? Answer: Each time I go into DIEC, I notice an increase in confidence. Question: Are the people you work with supportive? Answer: Jo, my usual supervisor and Margaret, the other supervisor are both very supportive. Question: Do you hope this could lead to something more or do you want to try something different in the future? Answer: I want to work with people. I have an affinity with disability because I used to have ME and I also have a mental illness. Question: What are some of the skills you’re using in your role that you’ve never had the chance to use before? Answer: I have used my people skills before. It is the skills I am learning on the Valley Transitionz computer course and on the job that are new. Question: Would you recommend volunteer work to anyone else? Answer: I would definitely recommend volunteer work. It has given me motivation and the help and encouragement from Valley Transitionz staff has been greatly appreciated.
Interviewed by Peter Hall
Date to note in your Diaries !! Valley Transitionz Employers’ Breakfast 17th July 2009 7.30am—9.00am Angus Inn, Lower Hutt This year we are co-hosting our breakfast presentation with the Chamber of Commerce. Invitations will be sent out as soon our Guest Speaker has been confirmed The (computer) key to success! Everybody needs to learn something new at some stage in their lives and one of the most essential things to learn at the moment is computers. With the increase of workplaces relying heavily on computers these days, it was important that Valley Transitionz recognised the importance of introducing computer skills to our clients and we did!! Launched in November 2008, the Valley Transitionz computer course aims to teach clients everything from the basics like Microsoft Word and Publisher to getting the most out of the internet and everything in between. Peter Hall, the computer tutor who is also a Valley Transitionz client, says “It’s been a challenge being in a teaching role but I am enjoying it greatly.” “From day one I thought it was going to be a complete disaster, but that was 8 months ago and today I’m still in the role, so I know that I must be doing an okay job. Helping people gain computer knowledge is something that is very important to me. We’re completely in the computer age and it's easy to be left behind if you have no idea what the computer is all about.” Peter has noticed that his students have gained not only confidence in their ability to give computer work a try but also how it has helped them believe in themselves.
It is not only Peter’s students who will benefit from this venture. “To be able to share my computer know-how with other people is a great experience. In some small way, I’m helping them improve their lives.
The feedback I’ve had from the people I teach has been positive and that means a great deal to me.” Valley Transtionz’s aim is that our clients will find it easier to gain employment once they have a better understanding of what computer work involves.
By Peter Hall
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