New advice service for employment and training

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 680, 1 April 1997, Page 8

New advice service for employment and training

A new advisory service aimed at assisting people in employment and training matters has been set up in the Ruapehu District. Known as CEMIS (Community Employment Mobile Information Service), the initiative is driven by Ruapehu Enterprise Inc and is co-ordinated by former REI manager Sande Jansen. Four target groups have been identified by the service — Maori, women, urban and rurally disadvantaged and youth. "1*11 be going out into the community and the remote areas, knocking on doors and finding out what people' s needs are," said Mrs Jansen. "The aim of the service is not to tell people how to run their businesses, but to support and assist - it's a referral and networking role and not just aimed at individuals but groups as well." Mrs Jansen said CEMIS would not double up on exist-

ing employment or training services, but would complement them. CEMIS objectives include assisting training providers and at-risk businesses, organising seminars, developing networks and identifying clients interested in self-em-ployment. The initiative is funded through the Department of Labour's Community Employment Group. Mrs Jansen was manager of Taumarunui Development Inc and continued in the position when the organisation merged with Protaum and Mainstreet and formed REI. Previously she worked for BP Oil New Zealand Ltd in Auckland for eight years. She was also involved with supplier negotiations and co-ordinated the retail shop pricing network for BP nationwide when the oil industry was deregulated. Mrs Jansen has been replaced as manager of REI by Pam Hayes.