English as a Second Language

Wellington ESOL Home Tutors provide a job mentoring service for people who have come to live and work in Wellington, but are having difficulty finding work appropriate to their skills and qualifications. The service is targeted at refugees and skilled migrants who are from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Job mentors are trained volunteers who are matched with job seekers. The mentor shares his or her network and knowledge of the working world in Wellington. Mentors also help with CV preparation and preparing job seekers to apply and begin work in Wellington.

They may also refer migrants to Career Services, a government agency that provides migrants and refugees with one-on-one career planning sessions and customised labour market information.

Career Services also offers workshops that cover job search strategies, interview techniques, CV and covering letter development, and identifying and addressing barriers and cultural differences in the workplace.

• ESOL Home Tutors website
• Career Services website

Volunteer Work Experience

Having New Zealand work experience can help improve a migrant’s job prospects. One way of getting local work experience is to do some unpaid voluntary work.

Volunteer Wellington is a non-profit agency that trains and provides unpaid volunteer workers to more than 300 community organisations in greater Wellington. Volunteer Wellington is a great starting point for work experience, and to learn about New Zealand people and their customs. It gives people the opportunity to get involved in the community, make friends and build their confidence and skill levels.

Jobs available through Volunteer Wellington range from counsellors to computer operators, coaches to entertainers, and researchers to fundraisers. There are a great many more unpaid jobs available for those who are willing.

People can volunteer under any immigration permit, including travel.

• Volunteer Wellington website
• Wellington Volunteers