Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

This week the Ministry of Education released their list of Employability Skills which employer groups nationally have agreed are the core skills our youth need to develop.  I have listed them below because they link directly to the work we are doing to develop meaningful pathways for all our students. I would encourage caregivers to take an opportunity to discuss these around the dinner table to build on the work our staff have started.

1. Positive attitude
a) Is positive and has a “can do” attitude.
b) Is optimistic, honest and shows respect.
c) Is happy, friendly and enthusiastic.
d) Is motivated to work hard towards goals.

2. Communication
a) Understands, and reflects on, the way they communicate and how it affects others.
b) Asks questions when unsure or unclear.
c) Understands how employees, employers and customers communicate.
d) Speaks, listens and shares ideas appropriately.

3. Team work
a) Works well with others to complete tasks and meet goals.
b) Contributes to developing new ideas or approaches.
c) Works well with others of different genders, cultures or beliefs.
d) Recognises the authority of supervisors and managers, and follows directions.

4. Self-management
a) Arrives at work on time, with appropriate clothing and equipment to complete a work day.
b) Understands, and reflects on, their own words, actions and behaviour, and how these affect others.
c) Shows commitment and responsibility.
d) Is dependable, follows instructions and completes assigned tasks.
e) Is responsible for their own health and wellbeing, and follows health and safety guidelines in the workplace.

5. Willingness to learn
a) Willing to learn new tasks, skills and information.
b) Curious and enthusiastic about the job, organisation and industry.
c) Looks for opportunities to work more effectively to make the business better.
d) Accepts advice and learns from feedback.

6. Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making)
a) Identifies and assesses options before making a decision.
b) Recognises problems and uses initiative to find solutions.
c) Thinks about consequences before they act.
d) Recognises when they need to seek advice.

7. Resilience
a) Adaptable and flexible in new and changing situations.
b) Handles challenges and setbacks and does not give up.
c) Able to seek support and help when needed.
d) Recognises and accepts mistakes made and learns from them.

You can find more detail at the Youth Guarantee site and follow up with our Dean of Vocational Pathways Margaret Burton

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal