Op shop helps job seekers

HERE TO HELP: Trudie Jones, Wairarapa Resource Centre.

The Wairarapa Resource Centre is not only a place where you will find a bargain and can recycle your old television set in an environmentally friendly way - it offers training and support to people looking for work.

The centre has been open for just over a year and offers a place where people can gain confidence and skills to find employment.

Committee member Donna Laing said while the store provided second-hand clothing, furniture and toys for sale at a reasonable price, it also helped train people for employment including those with intellectual and mental health issues or those who just needed to build up their confidence to re-enter the work force.

Youth who need work experience are also supported.

In the past year, they have placed 10 people in jobs and are looking for more placements for those they support.

"People don't realise what we do. They just see the op shop and don't see everything else we do ... What we do is help support volunteers - people out in the community who want to get back into the work force. We kind of have got a big ethos. I suppose part of it is people needing confidence boosting, customer service skills, learning Eftpos and really just giving back to the community and wanting something to do," she said. "We have to get the word out there what we are for."

Volunteers work alongside Trudie Jones, who manages the shop, and youth head into the community on the Tip Top truck with John Patterson selling ice creams as they expand their experience.

Some also help out with the E-Waste programme through the TV Take Back programme.

"There is such a broad spectrum of people we support. There are people who have been out of work in the community needing confidence to get back into the work force, youth that haven't had work experience and are finding it difficult to get work. We perhaps have some who have done some silly things in their past and want to work forward - a wide range of people."

Those under their wing learned a lot which helped them gain employment as well supporting others coming through the door, she said.

"Once they get familiar with the place their role then is to become mentors to the new ones coming in."

Centre manager Trudie Jones said they had about 32 people who regularly worked in the shop - some for a few hours each week with others turning up most days. At least 15 of those who regularly volunteer are looking for employment whether it be part or full time positions.

"They want to give back to the community," she said.

Those who worked alongside the trainees brought a wealth of experience to their roles, she said. "We are all trainers who have been in the work force for a very long time. We have the skills for various jobs as mentors. We try and place them into jobs."

They had success stories to share too - 10 in fact.

If you can offer one of their volunteers a few hours work or even a full-time job, Ms Jones would love to hear from you.

The Wairarapa Resource Centre is on King St and is open Tuesday through Friday 10am-5pm or Saturday 10am-2pm. You can call on (06) 377 2090.