2nd May
44 Corinthian Drive
Business North Harbour (BNH) first held a Business After 5 at MSD’s Albany offices in 2021.
Welcoming guests on 2 May, BNH’s general manager Kevin O’Leary recalled how he hadn’t realised previously “the phenomenal amount” that went on there – it’s not just the place you go to claim your pension – and that’s why it was high time to come back and help BNH members understand what MSD can do for them and their teams.
Several members of the MSD gave short, informative presentations, including Dan Brunt, Auckland North & West regional commissioner, Lynda Smardon, Auckland North & West regional director, and Darren Stanton, recruitment facilitator for the North Shore Jobs and Skills Hub.
Dan began his presentation by dispelling a myth: whilst most people perceive that MSD focuses on income, the organisation is actually New Zealand’s “biggest recruitment agency”. Getting people into and helping them remain in employment is a huge part of MSD’s work.
There are currently about 190,000 people on MSD’s job seeker register, 40,000 of whom are young people.
On average, a young person will stay 19 years on benefit, “which means they could be 37 before they get their first job.” That’s just one reason why MSD is so keen to engage with local businesses in that employment space – to help job seekers into work, be safe, strong, and independent, and contribute to the economy.
Lynda Smardon shared a few more details, confirming that more than 45 per cent of job seekers in the Upper Harbour Board district are aged 18 to 34. “They’re ready, available, and looking for work now.” Additionally, 58 per cent of the region’s job seekers have been on benefits for less than one year. “These are people with recent skills, which makes them much closer to the labour market.”
Jobs and Skills Hubs focus on construction and infrastructure projects, not only on-site operations but also supply chain and other supporting companies, with recruitment, training, and work upskilling. This includes running workshops for candidates, so they gain a better understanding of the work, how to engage and succeed, and how to progress through career opportunities.
The North Shore hub in Glenfield has seen a surge of engagement from schools and students. Last year, when the team attended its first expo, ninety kids signed up. “We’re about to hit our first expo this month, and we’re sort of holding our breath!”
Not only can MSD help source staff, but extra financial support through Flexi-Wage may be available to employers for up to 36 weeks. There is also Mana in Mahi, which can potentially cover pre-employment training and subsequent industry training costs, Apprenticeship Boost, and Skills for Industry. Business owners are encouraged to get in touch to see how this funding could help boost their team!
The government has set MSD the target of reducing its job seeker numbers by 50,000 by 2029. What came across so clearly at this event is that MSD is staffed by dedicated people, who genuinely want to do the best for their candidates and employers. They don’t view job seekers as numbers but as individuals, ensuring that time is taken with each one, so they can match the right job to the right person, and no-one is set up to fail.
Find out more at:
workandincome.govt.nz/employers
jobsandskillshubs.govt.nz
