New driving instructor gets skills up to speed
The Golden Bay Workcentre's youth transition worker Simon Shaw has become an LTSA-accredited driving instructor, after the trust recognised the benefits of having one on staff and funded his training.
Manager Alli Gardener said that Simon's accreditation provided yet another qualification that learners can gain at the Workcentre. It also enabled youth to travel in and out of Golden Bay to take up other training and employment opportunities, especially as there was no public transport around the Bay.
"The Workcentre has a policy and a commitment to continually upskilling their staff, especially in areas of expertise and, even more pertinently, where the area of expertise matches an identified learning need for our students. Simon had already demonstrated an ability to teach practical skills like driving before the Workcentre sent him off for training in Christchurch. This gives Simon another qualification personally whilst adding to the Workcentre's menu of subjects able to be taught."
Customers do not just come from the Workcentre. Simon will help people of all age groups needing to improve their driving skills and get through the practical test.
"I get lots of referrals from Work and Income, but I take anybody who would like some help and we have our own car at the Workcentre for practising," said Simon. "Safety is the key, and I go through what is required for people to gain the driver's licence and make sure people know the rules. The aim is to get people from zero to being competent."
Simon has worked at the Workcentre for the last five years. In his role as youth transition worker he assists young people with the shift from school into the work force and acts as a tutor for correspondence work. Before he came to Golden Bay, he completed a BA in sociology in Christchurch, had a stint with the army that lasted several years, and applied himself to game bird breeding. He is also a qualified firearms safety instructor.
Simon greatly enjoys his job and appreciates the co-operation with his workmates, saying, "I wouldn't be able to do my job without the support from fellow tutors and management."
He can be reached at the centre on 525 8099.
Ina Holst
