Behind the Smile: Tui’s Journey to Career Confidence
Tui is a friendly, determined young woman who grew up in full immersion Te Reo Māori. She was long-term unemployed and, despite her grit, she found it challenging to secure the employment success she was aiming for – until Smart Waikato’s SPAN Boost stepped in.
Working closely with Tui, the SPAN Boost team helped her refine her job applications, uncover hidden strengths, and present herself in the best light to employers.
At an MSD Job Expo, SPAN Coaches connected with the HR manager from a local berry farm, securing a phone interview that led to a seasonal two-month job offer.
Tui embraced the opportunity with unwavering commitment. She tackled demanding 6 a.m. shifts, six days a week, and even after a serious illness landed her in hospital at the end of December, she bounced back and returned to work as soon as she recovered.
Throughout it all, her SPAN Coach remained a constant support—keeping in touch with the HR manager and ensuring she had everything she needed to succeed.
Her experience at the berry farm not only boosted her confidence and provided a strong reference, but also showed Tui that with the right support, she was capable of handling challenging roles.
Soon after, she landed an interview for a Dental Assistant position—an exciting yet intimidating prospect.
When self-doubt crept in over her English skills and she considered cancelling her trial day, her SPAN coaches and work broker stepped in to encourage her and negotiate a second trial with the employer. Taking that second chance, Tui excelled and has landed the job.
Tui’s story is a testament to the transformative power of proactive coaching and support. With SPAN Boost by her side, she turned initial setbacks into stepping stones for a promising career – proving that with determination and the right guidance, you can overcome any challenge.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect client’s privacy. All other details are their true story.