Pre-employment training and job placement programmes

Get fully funded* support to find a job if you have a disability or health condition.

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What is a pre-employment and job placement programme?

Everyone should have the opportunity to find and maintain employment that matches their needs and skills. There are so many benefits to being employed, such as:

  • Earn your own money
  • Feel valued
  • Get into a routine
  • Learn new skills
  • Connect with others

Explore can support you with our pre-employment training and job placement support, called Mahi-Up.

We can support you to get started on your employment journey if you or a loved one have a disability, an injury, or a physical or mental health condition.

Whether you are looking for your first job or returning to work, you can get group and one-on-one support from our job coaches.

What is the goal of this service?

We can help you find the right type of part-time job (up to 30 hours) that matches your personal lifestyle, goals and interests.

Everyone is unique and looking for something different, which is why you will work closely with your job coach. They can guide you through the entire process and support you in finding part-time work.

How can you support me?

Our job coaches will support you every step of the way.

1-on-1 support

We can support you to:

  • Create a career plan and write a CV
  • Look for jobs and meet employers
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Start your new job and get settled in
  • Maintain employment with regular check-ins for at least 6 months

Group support

During group learning time, we’ll cover:

  • Training to build your skills
  • Work that fits your needs
  • Identifying opportunities that excite you
  • Building confidence and resilience
  • Understanding your drivers to employment
  • Managing your wellbeing

How much does this service cost?

Fully funded service.

Our service is fully funded by Work and Income for people who are eligible. This means you don’t have to pay to use our services.

If you’re on a benefit from Work and Income and have part-time work obligations, you’ll generally be eligible to access our services for free.

To check if you’re eligible for our fully funded services, speak to your case manager at Work and Income.

How do I refer myself or someone else?

Contact us and our team will come back to you.

Alternatively, you can ask your case manager from Work and Income to refer you to Explore (formerly Geneva Healthcare Deaf & Disability) by sending the referral information to [email protected]. We will then assess the referral to see if we’re able to help you.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I access this service?

Our team provides this service in our eligible Work & Income sites across the Auckland region.

When can I start?

You can start your employment journey straight away. There are no waitlists for this service.

How long do your services last?

You’ll receive up to 26 weeks of coaching and support to secure employment, with regular check-ins and support for at least 6 months.

How accessible are your services?

Every disability or health condition is different, that’s why you’ll receive one-on-one support that meets your needs and preferences. No matter what barriers you face, we can work with you to make sure you can access our services.

How do I know if I’m eligible for these services?

If you’re on a benefit from Work and Income and have part-time work obligations, you’ll generally be eligible to access our services for free. Check with your case manager at Work and Income for more details.

How long does it take to find a job that’s right for me?

Finding the right job for you can take time, but with the right support, skills and training, and a flexible approach, you’ll be well on your way to discovering opportunities that suit your strengths and goals.

I’m unsure if I want a job

There are many great benefits to being employed. We can talk you through the process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

What happens if I don’t get a job before your service finishes?

We’ll work with you to explore other support options to find a job or continue training.

What happens if I don’t like the job I get?

Finding the right job for you is important. If you’ve given a job a go and decided that it’s not for you, we can continue to support you in finding another job.