Introducing Fast Trak - Our New Programme That Opened Doors!
Over the past few months, 20 young people said yes to something new! Fast Trak - a work readiness course designed to give them a hands-on, future-focused experience built from the best parts of what we do at Work Ready Kāpiti. All of this was delivered in a compact format designed to fast track their confidence, skills, and readiness for life after college.
But this wasn’t just about ticking boxes.
Fast Trak is about unlocking potential. Creating opportunities. Helping young people step into the workforce with purpose. And for this group, it did exactly that.
Our latest Fast Trak achievements:
100% of students achieved all NCEA credits available through the course
90% of students completed a work experience placement
80% of students who applied for their learners licence passed
70% of students attended an #EmployerMeet
80% of students completed the Kāpiti Work Ready Passport
80% of students now have an up-to-date CV and covering letter.
Every student who took part in the work experience placements received standout feedback from employers. One employer told us:
“He was punctual, well presented, and wasn’t afraid to get involved. He gained experience in basic vehicle maintenance and tools. I’d have no hesitation recommending him for future employment.”
Parents saw the change too. One shared:
“We were unsure about our daughter missing school one day a week, but we’re so glad we said yes. She kept up with her schoolwork but also explored topics that should honestly be part of the curriculum. She looked forward to Fast Trak every week and was sad when it ended. The work experience at Toi Mahara Gallery was a huge confidence boost.”
In some cases, the connections made during work experience placements went even further, with one student receiving a job offer from the employer who hosted him. Here’s what one of the students had to say:
"I liked that this programme opened up job opportunities, helped us with getting a learner's licence, and got us thinking about our future and what it might look like."
Fast Trak was created through a new partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and also made possible by continued support from founding partners - Kāpiti Coast District Council, drawing on the success of our core programmes and bringing them together in one powerful experience. It was designed to make work readiness accessible to a broader group of young people, and it delivered.
We’re proud of what this group achieved, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Work Ready Kāpiti Team
