The programme also aims to give the group an insight into each emergency service so they can each look at becoming active voluntary members. Emergency service volunteers from St John, NZ Fire Service, including Lake Okareka Rural Fire Force and Operational Support, River Rescue, Land Search and Rescue, and Civil Defence and Emergency Response teams have hosted two-hour Thursday evening orientations and four-hour Saturday morning trainings over four weeks. The YES group have also engaged in work preparation and job search-related activities with their Work and income case managers. Following the month-long orientation experience, participants will attend an overnight camp on April 11 to 12 where they will put their learning into practice through emergency scenarios.
Bay of Plenty Regional Commissioner Mike Bryant says getting these young people to participate in a range of emergency service tasters, they potentially strengthen the capability of our local emergency service teams. "The YES programme gives participants opportunities to develop personally. Participation on this course is voluntary, no one had to sign up for it. However, each member of the YES team has willingly put in more than 100 percent effort," he says. "All those on the programme have shown they have a great attitude. They've each demonstrated timekeeping, teamwork, problem solving, communication, and have showed an ability to learn — all the attributes employers look for. And they all want to work". Mike says employers in the retail, building, tourism, hospitality, child care and administration sectors would be well served by considering recruiting from the YES group. "Just give Work and Income work broker Shona Patrick a call on (07)921 8051 and she'll get the ball rolling".
Rotorua Weekender - 2nd April 2014