The first cohort of learners has just completed the ten week programme which covers everything from verbal and written communication skills, listening skills and conflict resolution right through to financial literacy, digital literacy, health and safety, and wellbeing. 

Tailor made for St Vincent de Paul’s unique requirements, one module did a deep dive into understanding the business itself – not only the past, current and future story of St Vincent de Paul, but also the processes and systems that make the organisation so successful.

Stanmore Road store manager, Anna Woods, was among the first cohort of learners and says the programme  “exceeded expectations”. She also had high praise for Education Unlimited trainer Gayle Taylor, adding “You approached our group with compassion for the diversity we presented; you respected the Vinnies value system and operated within a framework of non-judgement, respecting our educational journey towards staff gaining dignity in literacy and numeracy skills”. 

For trainer Gayle, seeing participants take control of their budgeting goals, increase their self-awareness and improve their communication and teamwork skills were among the many highlights.

“A lot of positives have come out of this programme and the feedback has been really good with an average rating of 9 out of 10 for all sessions,” says Gayle. “It has been incredibly rewarding to see these learners grow – it is amazing the difference that can be made when people are open to learning and reflection.”

Here’s just some of the feedback from course participants…

• I am a lot more aware of how I deal with people
• I learnt things about health and safety that I never knew about
• I gained a lot of information that is important for me
• I need to take control of my money and bills – the sessions motivated me to take control of my life
• There is better communication between departments – we are communicating more, more organised and preparing better
• I am a lot more positive at work
• It’s getting me to think about my voice and how body language affects the way people perceive me
• I am more mindful of other people and the way I communicate with them
• My problem solving has improved
• I definitely recommend this course; it is interesting and important.

The Skills Values Development Programme is a trial programme that is being rolled out to 24 St Vincent de Paul employees across its Stanmore Road,  Papanui and Hornby stores in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The second cohort of learners have started,  with a third cohort starting  in the New Year.