Training areas cover all areas of general office administration, including reception duties and telephone skills, accounting procedures and practices, computer skills, and general office duties. The scheme is ideal for students looking at a career in office administration or students thinking about going to university but who need a year off to decided that it is really what they want to do, says Ms Wolfreys. They receive invaluable practical experience in a supportive environment, and are given help in finding permanent employment at the end of the 12 months. The Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology provides free tuition for the scholarship students. The employer, in return, gains a willing and productive worker.
School leavers tend to be very productive and very motivated.
The application process for the scholarships has been deliberately designed so that even students unsuccessful in obtaining scholarships can learn from the experience. Applicants are given constructive feedback throughout the application process, and are advised on how they can improve their chances when applying for jobs. Students who are selected for the scholarships are monitored throughout the year to ensure that their needs and the needs of their employer are being met, she says. Only eight companies are taking part in the scheme this year, but more are expected to take part as awareness of the scheme grows. The scholarship programme is being expanded into Canterbury's provincial towns, says Ms Wolfreys.