HELL’s paid work experience programme ‘Active in HELL’ is running for another full year and the company is keen for more young Kiwis to be involved.
The pizza company teamed up with IHC to launch the scheme in 2013. After a successful pilot in Wellington, HELL offered to pay IHC supported employment trainees for six weeks’ specialised training in its kitchens around the country and has repeated that commitment for 2016. In April, Janiece Pollock of Upper Hutt became the first Active in HELL trainee to be offered a permanent shift at her local HELL store and the opportunity of continuing her development. Janiece is one of 33 participants (and counting) who have completed or are going through the training. HELL general manager Ben Cumming hopes to see a lot more youth enrolled this year. “We’ve made 64 places available through the programme, had trainees in stores from Auckland to Dunedin, and we have plenty of enthusiastic franchisees willing to be involved,” said Ben. “Reports from those who have already taken part have been nothing but positive. “Active in HELL is about giving these young people a chance in a commercial kitchen and exposing them to skills relevant for hospitality roles, while getting paid. We’re looking forward to building on our progress and maximising the programme’s potential.” Comprising of two two-hour sessions per week, the paid training is tailored to each participant and covers everything from mandatory health and safety education to preparing food for sale. Krissy Gain, supported employment coordinator for IHC’s IDEA Services and national coordinator of Active in HELL, described the offer of paid training as “an amazing and exciting opportunity”. “Like any other teenager, those with an intellectual disability need some support to transition from school or college to the workforce,” said Krissy. “Participants also gain skills that many of us take for granted, such as time management, planning travel, keeping uniforms clean, and overall personal responsibility.” HELL stores that have trained AIH candidates: Epsom, Grey Lynn (x2), Kapiti (x3), Mount Albert, New Plymouth (x2), Newlands, Petone (x2), Riccarton, Rotorua, Upper Hutt, Westgate (x2) HELL stores currently training AIH candidates: Beerescourt (x2), Hastings, Lower Hutt, Napier, Nelson, Newlands, Petone, Rangiora, Rotorua, Whangaparaoa
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