Foot in door scores apprenticeship

After looking for work in all the wrong places, a Waitakere lad finally hooked up with the right agency. Holly Reid reports
For Scott Tolcher, being picked on at school is nothing compared to the tough task of finding full-time work at age 16.
The West Auckland teen gave up on school at 15 after struggling to convince teachers he had improved his rebellious ways.
``They always used to blame any trouble on me. Then I started wagging and it was all becoming a shambles. I had everlasting detentions, really,'' says Scott.
He sought employment in various trades for more than a year, but without qualifications he had little success.
``They never got back to me. It was quite down-heartening, waiting all the time and nothing happening.''
But, after just one short stint labouring, Scott got a much-needed boost at Waitakere Youth Transition Services.
The agency in Henderson helps teens who have recently left school to move into the workforce, or gain further education - and supports up to 300 youngsters each year.
``They taught me how to make a CV, people skills and what to wear to an interview. They helped me out a lot,'' says Scott.
He's now determined to complete a two-year carpet-laying apprenticeship with Kamara Developments' contractor Joel Rollinson.
``It's just brightened up my whole life, really.''
The youth service, funded by the Ministry of Social Development, has four personal advisors available to provide teens with ongoing support throughout their job searches.
``Our aim is to provide a service where we can help transition young people from dependence to independence, from childhood to adulthood,'' says manager Wendy Ferguson.
``Sometimes, people need that extra helping hand just to get their foot in the door.''
Waitakere Youth Transition Services, on Pioneer St, is open 8.30am-5pm. For more information call the centre on 835 1176.