Aspiring chef keeps busy in lean times

ON TRACK: Unemployed Masterton teenager Aaron Garlick enjoys having something to do as he prepares for the workforce with the help of staff at the Wairarapa Resource Centre. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Teenager Aaron Garlick dreams of one day cooking up a tasty treat or two - he hopes to become a chef in the future.

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old is gaining all the experience he can as a stock handler for the Wairarapa Resource Centre.

He is one of 20 volunteers in training and gaining experience through the centre to prepare them for the workforce.

Aaron has been unemployed for about year after losing his job at the mill as a machine cleaner. He volunteers once weekly in the store and at the Salvation Army stripping down old television sets.

"It gives me something to do and I get to meet some awesome people while gaining work experience," he said.

"I do love food though so I'd really like to be a chef."

Centre co-ordinator Trudie Jones said Aaron was doing well, attending for about five weeks now.

"He's just great with fixing bikes and anything electronic.

"He'll do anything we ask of him. We just put him out the back and he gets on with the job," she said.

In the past year the centre had placed 18 people into jobs.

If you are looking to employ someone part or fulltime, or can offer a work placement or need training to find a job, call Trudie Jones on (06) 377-2090.