Christchurch

๐Ÿ’ผ

Employee Support Services

General information about organizations or systems that support workers, such as employment rights advocacy or counseling.

Sections

1. Categories of Employee Support Services

a. Job Placement Assistance

  • Description: Services that help individuals find suitable employment opportunities, including job matching, resume building, and interview preparation.
  • Key Providers:
    • Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ): A government agency that provides job search support, training, and financial assistance for job seekers.
    • Canterbury Employersโ€™ Chamber of Commerce (CECC): Offers job boards and networking opportunities for professionals.
    • Recruitment Agencies: Private agencies like Hays, Madison Recruitment, and Randstad specialize in connecting job seekers with employers in Christchurch.
    • Student Job Search (SJS): A free service for students and recent graduates to find part-time or entry-level jobs.

b. Career Counseling and Training

  • Description: Services that provide guidance on career development, upskilling, and transitioning into new industries.
  • Key Providers:
    • Careers.govt.nz: A government-run website offering career advice, tools, and resources.
    • Ara Institute of Canterbury: Offers career counseling and vocational training programs tailored to local industries.
    • Christchurch Resettlement Services (CRS): Provides career counseling specifically for immigrants and refugees.
    • Industry Training Organizations (ITOs): These organizations, such as Competenz and Primary ITO, offer apprenticeships and industry-specific training.

c. Workplace Rights Education

  • Description: Services that educate employees about their rights and responsibilities under New Zealand employment law.
  • Key Providers:
    • Employment New Zealand: A government resource providing information on minimum wage, employment agreements, leave entitlements, and workplace safety.
    • Community Law Canterbury: Offers free legal advice on employment issues, including disputes and unfair treatment.
    • Unions: Organizations like E tลซ and FIRST Union advocate for workersโ€™ rights and provide support in workplace disputes.

d. Immigrant-Specific Support

  • Description: Services tailored to the unique needs of immigrants, such as language support, cultural orientation, and assistance with work visas.
  • Key Providers:
    • Immigration New Zealand (INZ): Offers guidance on work visas, residency, and employer accreditation.
    • Christchurch Multicultural Council: Provides support for immigrants, including workshops on employment and integration.
    • English Language Partners Canterbury: Offers English language classes and workplace communication training for non-native speakers.

2. Typical Costs Involved

  • Free Services:
    • Many government-provided services, such as those offered by WINZ, Employment New Zealand, and Careers.govt.nz, are free of charge.
    • Non-profits like Community Law Canterbury and Christchurch Resettlement Services also provide free or low-cost support.
  • Paid Services:
    • Private recruitment agencies may charge employers but are typically free for job seekers.
    • Training programs at institutions like Ara Institute of Canterbury may have tuition fees, though subsidies or scholarships may be available.
    • Union membership often involves a small fee, typically a percentage of your salary.

3. Procedures for Accessing Services

a. Job Placement Assistance

  1. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ):
    • Visit a local WINZ office or their website to register as a job seeker.
    • Provide identification, proof of residency, and a CV.
    • Attend workshops or meet with a case manager for personalized support.
  2. Recruitment Agencies:
    • Register online or in person with your CV and references.
    • Attend an interview with the agency to discuss your skills and job preferences.

b. Career Counseling and Training

  1. Careers.govt.nz:
    • Access free online tools like the Career Quiz and CV Builder.
    • Contact their helpline for personalized advice.
  2. Ara Institute of Canterbury:
    • Enroll in a course or book a career counseling session through their website or campus office.

c. Workplace Rights Education

  1. Employment New Zealand:
    • Visit their website for comprehensive guides and tools.
    • Call their helpline for specific questions or concerns.
  2. Community Law Canterbury:
    • Book an appointment online or visit their office for free legal advice.

d. Immigrant-Specific Support

  1. Immigration New Zealand (INZ):
    • Use their online portal to apply for work visas or check your visa status.
    • Attend free workshops or information sessions for new migrants.
  2. Christchurch Multicultural Council:
    • Join their events or workshops by registering online or contacting them directly.

4. Local Guidelines and Considerations

  • Work Visa Requirements: Immigrants must have a valid work visa to be employed in New Zealand. Employers are required to verify your visa status before hiring.
  • Minimum Wage: As of October 2023, the minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD $22.70 per hour. Ensure your employer complies with this standard.
  • Employment Agreements: All employees must have a written employment agreement outlining their terms of work.
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • New Zealand workplaces value punctuality, teamwork, and open communication.
    • Itโ€™s common to address colleagues by their first names, regardless of their position.
    • Immigrants may face challenges adapting to Kiwi slang or workplace humor; language support services can help bridge this gap.

5. Key Organizations and Contact Information

  1. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ)

  2. Employment New Zealand

  3. Community Law Canterbury

    • Website: www.canlaw.org.nz
    • Phone: 03 366 6870
    • Address: 198 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central

  4. Christchurch Resettlement Services (CRS)

    • Website: www.crs.org.nz
    • Phone: 03 335 0311
    • Address: 283 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch

  5. Ara Institute of Canterbury

    • Website: www.ara.ac.nz
    • Phone: 0800 24 24 76
    • Address: 130 Madras Street, Christchurch Central

  6. Christchurch Multicultural Council

6. Additional Tips for Immigrants

  • Networking: Attend local events, job fairs, and workshops to build connections in Christchurchโ€™s job market.
  • Cultural Integration: Joining community groups or volunteering can help you adapt to Kiwi culture and improve your English skills.
  • Tax Number (IRD): Ensure you have an IRD number from Inland Revenue to work legally and pay taxes.

By utilizing these resources and understanding local guidelines, you can effectively navigate Christchurchโ€™s employment landscape and build a successful career.