Lyn Gulliard, Careers Advisor at Waimea College, says the NMIT Employment Scholarships Scheme is fantastic.
"Students are not only getting a job but also the opportunity for a qualification too."
And she believes it makes the prospect of entering the workplace for the first time a lot less daunting.
Nayland College's Careers Advisor Margaret McCorkindale also thinks the NMIT Employment Scholarships are an excellent programme.
"We've been involved since the scheme's inception and can see that it works out well for both students and employers. It's good for students because it gives them employment, income and tertiary education - and the employer gets a trainee that suits their firm."
Office Junior, West Yates Certificate in Applied Computer Technology, Business and Office Administration (Level 3)
For Samantha Nelmes, now working as an office junior at Nelson accounting firm West Yates, the programme was an excellent stepping stone from school into the workforce.
“I didn’t want to stay at school, but I needed to find a job before leaving. It would’ve been hard for me to find a job on my own, as employers always want experience. I think it’s a really good opportunity to be able to work and still learn extra skills,” she says.
West Yates is one of about 50 businesses in the Nelson-Tasman region which has employed a scholarship student. Samantha Nelmes is the second scholarship student employed by West Yates. The first, Tamsin Fitzsimmons, has now been promoted to a new role and offered a permanent position.
West Yates general manager Lee-Anne Ketchen is supportive of the NMIT Employment Scholarships.
“I think it’s a great scheme for employers as it gives them some certainty with the labour market the way it is. It also gives the student a whole range of skills and makes them more rounded, which has to be positive,” she says.