(Extract Quality Assurance Document – 1.6)
This policy is underpinned by the belief expressed in section, Vision, Values and Purpose our explanation of how we believe the student wellbeing, engagement and pathways are intrinsically integrated together and the aspirations and desired outcomes communicated in our strategic direction.
EmployNZ will ensure that we are continually reviewing and ensuring our structure and roles, internal support services, Pastoral care, support networks and stakeholders are relevant and current so we can support the needs of our students and clients. Our aim is to provide them with every opportunity to succeed, achieve, become more confident and gain independence, as we work alongside them so they can make informed decisions for their futures, and specifically the next step of their pathway towards employment.
We will support their decisions and journey alongside them to secure these destination outcomes, remain in contact and be available for them so we can provide additional support or encouragement as they transition into, and then settle into those outcomes.
This policy is grounded in the belief that wellbeing, engagement, and pathways are intrinsically linked to one another as the pathway becomes the inspiration, focus, context and basis of our engagement and relationships required to support wellbeing during their journey with us.
EmployNZ will promote our approach everyday through the memorable phrase or tagline incorporated into our logo and branding, “Training for Employment”.
We have integrated our approach to student wellbeing and pathways into how we bring effect to this policy into our everyday life which is part of the DNA of who we are and what we offer. Every aspect of our operations and decision making is based on this belief and is our reason for being.
The policy will be brought effect through our relationships, support staff services, internal support services, Pastoral Care, process and practices and the supported referrals to local services or agencies as required.
We will focus on the transitions within the student journey to ensure that we have designed our systems and processes to start with the end in mind. Pathways towards employment for all through education, further education pathways or employment placement services.
The transitions in the student journey of Moving In, Moving Through, Moving Up and Moving Out are the basis for our approach, processes and support services and we are committed to ensuring that we are constantly looking for ways to identify, eliminate or minimize any barriers to access, progression, achievement, and success which may present while they are under our care. EmployNZ will identify and attempt to address barriers to attendance as a critical aspect of student wellbeing, engagement, and pathways. We will support students to attend the hours expected for their courses and follow up on absenteeism using our custom-built Attendance APP. The key measure for this information is the Attendance Rate and how it is used in our Progression Measure which is used by Programme Management and teaching staff as a student support mechanism.
For Youth Guarantee students we will ensure that our focus and processes include meeting the Tertiary Education Commission funding requirements and expectations in relation to the Wellbeing and pathways support subsidy.
This will include providing access to the range of services and activities outlined in our commitment statement and a pathway plan which will constitute a series of discussions, activities, and planned outcomes as they are moving in, through, up and out of EmployNZ. We will endeavor to involve whanau, referring organisation representatives or their two nominated support people wherever possible, especially as they plan to move in to EmployNZ. The pathway plan activities are integrated and embedded into our overall approach and student journey through EmployNZ. Pathway support is an ongoing, live process, that ultimately concludes with our students being introduced to and securing the next step of their pathway towards employment.
Destination Outcomes will be collected across several milestones will be recorded in our custom-built Outcome App and presented in our Power Bi reporting tool as a core measure within our education performance framework and the information is used alongside their Individual Learning Plans and any personal goal setting activities throughout their course.
EmployNZ will use our positive outcome measure for both graduates and withdrawn students as a key measure in how we have brought effect to our vision and purpose and the positive impact their journey with us has had for our students, clients, their whanau and their communities.
EmployNZ Commitment to Student Wellbeing, Engagement and Pathways
As a tertiary education and social service provider, we are committed to our student’s and client’s wellbeing, engagement, and pathways. This includes all aspects of their journey and the support that they may need while they are studying with us or accessing our services.
Staff at EmployNZ are committed to making sure that the wellbeing of our students is a key priority and focus for us all. We are here for our students and to support them as they move in, move through, move up and then move out of EmployNZ and into the next step of their pathway towards employment.
Teaching staff and students are supported by a team of dedicated staff who, combined with the teaching staff, provide Pastoral Care and organized activities at EmployNZ for all students. Dedicated support roles have been established to minimise the impact life may have on student studies and to support their holistic wellbeing. Our collective goal is to work alongside students as they journey with us, settle comfortably into the EmployNZ environment, and become confident to successfully complete their studies and pathway to their next opportunity.
EmployNZ is also committed to offering support regarding any life or personal matters or matters that relate to their studies which may be having an impact on their ability to participate on their course, their progression and/or the achievement of the courses. Students can also access services which refer them to external support services and agencies should they be required. Our commitment includes providing access to staff who can provide pastoral care and guidance, pathway advice and where possible access to free counselling sessions which are designed to address immediate needs, provide informed referrals to current wellbeing services and to act as a bridge for those who may experience long waiting times to get access services provided externally.