For Luchian Chamberlain, 18, contacting our MTFJ Coordinator has led to a whole new life as an apprentice mechanic at East Coast Powersports in Timaru.
Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), in partnership with MSD, helps young people to find employment. After establishing a relationship with Luchian, our coordinator made the introduction to the employer and MTFJ provided a subsidy for a tool kit to help him get started in his new role. What sealed the deal for Luchian was getting his driving licence which meant that he had transport to get to and from the job.
“It has been such a positive experience to be able to assist Luchian along the way, including into his Restricted Class 1 licence,” says Deborah, our current MTFJ Coordinator whose role also includes driving instruction. “The current challenging economic environment makes it difficult for young jobseekers and the small number of opportunities currently available often require prior experience and at least their restricted driver licence. An apprenticeship position of this quality is a rare opportunity. I’d like to give a big thanks to East Coast Powersports for their trust in and support of a keen young Waimate man.”
“Luchian is going well,” says Ben Stewart, owner of East Coast Powersports. The company sells and services a range of sports equipment including Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am vehicles, Kawasaki, CF Moto and Royal Enfield. It also sells Ironman 4x4 accessories and is an agent for Walker Mowers.
“One of the senior techs in the workshop has started to mentor him and he has come a long way in a short time,” says Ben. “Through MTFJ assisting Luchian with some tools he has a good start-up package now. We also bought a few extras to help get him get moving so the money was put to good use and greatly appreciated by both himself and us. Thank you to MTFJ as this wouldn’t have been possible for him initially without this help.”
Luchian is busy getting stuck in and is making the most of the opportunity.
“I’m really enjoying the job,” he says. “Thank you to MTFJ and Waimate District Council for the support.”
Find out more at Jobshub. To contact Deborah, email deborah.kibble@waimatedc.govt.nz
