What can Workbridge do for Jobseekers?

Workbridge Client

Workbridge employment consultants work in partnership with you to:

find out what you want to do
set work goals and plan how to reach them
find relevant work experience
prepare a current curriculum vitae (CV)
learn job search skills, including how to apply for jobs, and interview skills.

To be eligible to receive jobseeker services, a Workbridge client will be:

currently living in New Zealand, and
a New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, or hold an appropriate open work permit, and
aged between 16 and 65 years.

Once you are in a job, we will keep in contact with you to make sure that everything is going well.

We have information for clients in Maori, Samoan, Tongan and Plain English.

Exchanging Information

Sometimes Workbridge will ask you for permission to exchange information with another person, organisation or agency. Examples may be a family member or case worker who is assisting you, or a current employer. In these cases we will ask you to complete a Client Authority to Exchange, Discuss and Record Personal Information form. On this form you are able to limit the amount of information you wish us to discuss.

Workbridge offers the following services for jobseekers:

National Employment Services

The Ministry of Social Development contracts Workbridge to place jobseekers into ongoing open employment. Workbridge will work with each jobseeker to develop job searching skills and confidence, and to locate the most suitable employment to match their needs for full-time, part-time or casual work. People in employment who are having difficulties may be able to access Workbridge services for assistance in the workplace. Workbridge also offers a service to people who are already in employment and wish to find a new job.

Information about Workbridge services available to employers is available on the Employers page.

In addition to the contract with MSD, Workbridge is contracted in some regions to provide targeted assistance to individuals or groups of individuals. Each of the regional contracts are tailored to the specific needs of the local area and identify job options based on a jobseeker's experience, transferable skills, training and education.

Regional Employment Programmes

Where to From Here

Currently provided in the Coromandel area, this programme is implemented in three parts and is designed to work closely with Work and Income case managers and clients.

Starting with a one day seminar, jobseekers discuss their readiness for job search and the steps that are needed to undertake a successful job search. The programme then moves into an in-depth vocational assessment to identify what is required to meet the jobseeker's vocational potential. During the development of this report, Workbridge employment consultants provide career counselling to identify jobseeker skills, values, interests and achievements. Employment consultants will discuss career pathways and possible job options to be pursued immediately or after the completion of study or training. The final component of this programme is implementing the plan and supporting and monitoring the jobseeker as they work through their goals.

The programme is flexible and can be adjusted to suit individual needs.

Preparation for Work Programme

Currently provided in the Northland and Waikato regions. Workbridge undertakes an assessment of jobseekers referred by Work and Income to identify jobs they could undertake with their current skills and experience. The final career guidance report is sent to the jobseeker's Work and Income case manager who will put the recommendations into action with the jobseeker.

Steps to Work

Currently provided in the Kapiti Coast and the Wairarapa regions. This three part programme offers even more flexibility to meet individual jobseeker's needs. Jobseekers can be referred to any component of 'Steps to Work' by Work and Income case managers.

Step One. The 'Steps to Work' programme starts with an in-depth interview with each jobseeker. A report is written that identifies options for immediate employment or the steps that need to be taken to move the jobseeker closer to their employment goal. The jobseeker receives career counselling from a Workbridge employment consultant identifying any possible roadblocks to achieving the employment outcomes.

Step Two. A seminar focussing on employment coaching. When completed, the jobseeker will have increased their skills in the successful handling of interviews, job research, writing cover letters to employers, and completing job application forms.

Step Three. A focused job search tailored to the requirements identified during stages one and two. After the jobseeker successfully finds work, Workbridge can provide up to six months of support.

Compensation (Vocational Rehabilitation) Services

Workbridge currently holds a contract with ACC to provide vocational assessment and rehabilitation services. Activities include job search strategies, identifying appropriate job types and pre-employment programmes which may cover exercise based, psychological and vocational components. We work with clients towards work readiness and vocational independence.

Support Funds

Workbridge also administers Support Funds on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development. This funding is available to help with any qualifying disability-related costs a person may have when they are working or in training.