“It feels amazing to be graduating from City Rail Link’s Progressive Employment Programme (PEP),” says Ruth. “It has been a great journey, I’ve learnt a lot, met lots of new people, and I’m now feeling more prepared to go out and find a good job.”

The PEP stems from a unique partnership between Education Unlimited and Link Alliance – the consortium delivering City Rail Link’s main stations and tunnels. Since 2019, the two organisations have partnered to remove barriers to employment for Māori and Pasifika youth, providing job and life skills training as well as internship opportunities within Aotearoa’s largest infrastructure project.

“I wanted to do this course to give me work experience, learn new stuff, and get to know more about the construction industry,” says Ruth, who completed her internship with Link Alliance’s administration team.

“I learnt to use things like CheckSafe, SharePoint and Excel spreadsheets, and I am now a lot more organised and systematic. When I started the internship my inbox was overflowing with emails but now I use Google Drive and save them in different folders.”

The digital skills training she received through Education Unlimited will equip Ruth for success in any office-based role – and the life skills Education Unlimited trainer Thomas Taiaroa imparted are worth their weight in gold.

“I started the internship a little late and was worried I might not be able to catch up but Thomas was so helpful and supportive. I learnt so much from him. Money Confidence taught me the difference between bad debt and good debt, and how to use my money wisely. Before, I had just one bank account and I just spent it all, but now I have two accounts – one for savings and one for shopping and board, and that makes me feel much more in control of my finances.”

In addition to Money Confidence and Life Online (digital literacy) micro credentials, Thomas helped participants strengthen their Te Ao Māori and delivered the Ka Ora confidence building programme. 

“When I first started the course I was a shy girl but now I have so much more confidence,” says Ruth. “Now I feel motivated to continue studying, and eventually I’d like to become an accountant.”

The PEP has provided strong starting blocks for the future and equipped Ruth with the confidence and courage to pursue her dreams. 

“It’s always good to try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone – you never know what they might lead to!”

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