Different direction, same passion
Unichem Medical Corner Pharmacy in Rangiora has teamed up with Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) to help another youth get back on track.
Stevie Genet, 20, is a Waikuku local who struggled to get back into the workforce after resigning from studies due to the effects of COVID-19.
Passionate about helping people, Stevie was previously enrolled at Ara Institute of Canterbury studying nursing. The sudden change of learning environment from classroom to online during lockdown left Stevie struggling to keep up, leading her to rethink her career choice.
After making the call to end her nursing education, Stevie found herself struggling to find sustainable work to tie her over until her next career move. With only casual weekend work available and no luck with job applications, Stevie’s confidence took a knock.
“I applied for mostly hospitality jobs and I just couldn’t get the hours I needed, which was really hard.”
After sending her CV to the Ministry of Social Development, Stevie was quickly put in touch with MTFJ; a Government scheme connecting local businesses with youth, to create sustainable opportunities for both parties.
Initially, she started off doing some filing work at the Hurunui District Council (HDC). After just three weeks, HDC Business Recovery Advisor, Joni Howe, secured her in a position as a dispensary technician at the Unichem Medical Corner Pharmacy, owned and run by business partners Ajay Patel and Vibhuti Patel.
Stevie is extremely thankful for the support provided by MTFJ to help land her the job.
“Having Joni in the interview really helped because I can be really shy, so it made me feel more confident having her there for support… I don’t know where I would be without the help of MTFJ, I am so thankful to have a positive and sustainable job.”
Business owners are continuously impressed by Stevie’s enthusiasm, and emphasise her positive mindset.
“You need people who are enthusiastic and willing to do the job, Stevie is up for it…. she has settled in nicely; I tell her the most important thing is to enjoy the work you are doing”.
Happy to have Stevie on board, Ajay explains that having young people involved is helpful with providing perspective.
“It is nice to have young and fresh minded people come in and give their new ideas.”
They have Stevie involved in all the aspects in the dispensary such as stock management of medications, customer service, medication dispensing, ordering medications, and processing prescriptions on the computer.
As a business, they are providing Stevie with various learning experiences and working hard to expand her skillset.
“I am doing modules through Open Polytechnic to become a qualified dispensary technician; I have also learnt to fit compression stockings and first aid…. everyone is very helpful, and I can ask for help whenever I need to, they are a really great team,” Stevie says.
Grateful for her role, Stevie is pleased to have the opportunity to be put in a position where she feels her passion is still at the forefront.
“I wanted to do nursing because I am really passionate about helping people, but just felt that it wasn’t for me, I love the position I am in now because I am still helping people and really enjoying it.”
Reflecting on the goals of MTFJ, Ajay believes it is important that our youth are aware of the benefits this programme provides.
“The MTFJ is very good for youth who might not have a plan for their career. It is good for the youngsters, this is a two-way thing and the youth need to be willing and understand the opportunities being presented to them.”
If you are a local business or know a youth who would be interested in joining this venture, please contact Joni or Chris at HDC, 03 3148816 or email mtfj@hurunui.govt.nz
