Following is an interview with Tayla and Angel who are ex-Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Students who went through our Licence to Work Program.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Tayla: Organised
Angel: Loud
Did you feel the LTW program was beneficial?
Tayla and Angel: Yes we learnt lots of skills and had practical training as well.
What was the most important thing you learnt from the LTW program?
Tayla: The 7 Employability Skills; Positive Attitude, Communication, Willingness to Learn, Thinking Skills (Problem Solving), Teamwork, Resilience and Self-Management.
Angel: If I want something to happen, I have to give my 100%.
Where are you working now?
Tayla: Wairakei Resort and The Massage Clinic
Angel: Wairakei Resort and Café Baku
How did you find your job?
Tayla and Angel: Through the Licence to Work program at Taupo-nui-a-Tia College.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Tayla and Angel: Speed interviews, feedback, MB Century talk on CV’s and interviews, mock interviews with Miraka/Tenon/Huka Lodge – all done at Taupo-nui-a-Tia college.
What challenges did you face in your job search process?
Tayla and Angel: Having the Licence to Work opportunity offered to us through Taupo Pathways was good and it gave us the experience and connections we needed.
Are you enjoying your job/s?
Tayla and Angel: Yes we are both enjoying our jobs.
Have you been able to apply the skills you learnt in your LTW program at work?
Tayla and Angel: Yes definitely.
What advice would you give other young people applying for jobs right now?
Tayla: Be prepared, do your research, be confident.
Angel: Have the confidence to put yourself out there and learn from your previous interviews what you did wrong and improve yourself for the next interview.
What else would you have liked to have learnt before starting work?
Tayla and Angel: Training in hospitality, contracts, timesheets etc. We would advise others to research more so you are well informed to make a good decision.
What is a life lesson you have learned so far?
Tayla: Take every opportunity given to you – don’t take anything for granted.
Angel: Parents and teachers aren’t always going to be there to nag you so you will need to step up and take responsibility for your own actions in order to succeed.
What are your hobbies?
Tayla: Hanging out with friends.
Angel: Taking long walks on the beach.
Finish the sentence – I am happiest when I. . .
Tayla: Receive my pay from work and am in a stable financial situation.
Angel: When I know I have completed something properly.
What are your plans for the future?
Tayla: Stay at Wairakei Resort for a couple more years then go to Australia.
Angel: Work for a while in NZ then travel and work around the world to gain experience in the hospitality industry.
