GDC ready for living focus on employment and volunteering 1600x500

FOCUS AREA: Employment and Volunteerism

ARO Ā TAKE: Mahi/Tūao

Employment, whether paid or unpaid, is a key part of the broader sense of meaning and purpose.

It is important to value the ability of people to continue to make a significant contribution in the workforce, regardless of their age. Volunteering is equally important and contributes significantly to communities and GDP.

Re-training

Re-training needs to be an option at any age.

  • Education provision for older people
  • Accessibility
  • Affordability

You need to find the right course to fit your future plans. Course providers do not have a limit on maximum age for training.

 

Some training options include:

Southern Institute of Technology

SIT

Our local (Invercargill) option offers over 250 programmes in a wide range of subjects and New Zealand qualifications but also offers SIT2LRN Distance Learning.

Zero fees is a great bonus to SIT

 

University of Otago

Otago University

As well as a great on site campus covering many study options, Otago’s distance learning programmes provide the flexibility to study from home around existing commitments, part time.

 

Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic

Distance learning with Open Polytechnic means online learning, and studying where and when it suits you, with support.

 

Massey University

Massey

Massey has a variety of Distance courses. Depending on your course, you could be watching online presentations, interacting with lecturers and peers online, taking quizzes, and doing assignments. There will likely be on campus workshops and you need to consider the cost of this.

 

Scholarships can be applied for to help with cost, also some courses are also covered by government schemes:

Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (free trades training)

Targeted training and apprenticeship fund

The fund is targeted towards industry skill needs where demand from employers for these skills will continue to be strong, or is expected to grow, during New Zealand’s recovery period from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund will cover fees until 31 December 2022. All ages can receive this

 

Studylink

StudyLink provides financial support to students. They do not provide Student Allowance for those aged 65 years and over or a Student Loans for people aged 55 years and over for living costs and course-related costs components of the Student Loan.

Recruitment

Understanding the needs of employees and volunteers and ensuring they are valued.

  • Connecting needs with potential volunteers
  • Job board
  • Placement arrangements
  • Understanding needs

Employer Education

Supporting employers to better understand the drivers of their older employees, and putting initiatives in place to enable them to remain in the workplace.

  • Retaining older employees
  • Recognition of experience
  • Rewards
  • Skills transfer
  • Flexible work hours

Community Education

Older people bring huge value to the community through paid and unpaid roles, and this work needs to be highly valued and recognised.

  • Value attached to unpaid employment
  • Valuing older employees
  • Role modelling / profiling good practice
  • Recognition at Gore District Community Awards

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering as a productive activity in later life has been associated with social and health benefits for older people. Being connected and having meaningful relationships with our wider community is critically important for our wellbeing as we age. Older people can experience loneliness and social isolation, which contribute to poor mental and physical health outcomes. Volunteering can help increase interactions with others and bring you a sense of purpose.

Its good to look at a few options and work out which one interests you most and you enjoy

There are endless opportunities in Gore to Volunteer some of them are:

Pakeke Lions Recycling Centre                                             03 208 3771

Gore Hospice Shop                                                                  03 208 0880

Salvation Army shop                                                               03 208 4440

St Johns Health Shuttle                                                          03 208 6617

Big Buddy Programme                                                            03 208 0877

SupportLink – Buddy support for Elderly                          03 208 0864

Meals on Wheels                                                                       03 207 2780

Mataura Meals on Wheels                                                      03 203 8501

Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service                             03 218 6351

Sports Clubs – all love help with coaching, management and admin

HAVE YOUR SAY

We would love to hear from you! What do you think needs to be done to make Gore District the place you would want to stay in for your older years?

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