When Jono was offered his first permanent job, he couldn’t believe it.
“It was like a shock to the heart. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Jono says.
The job offer came after months of hard work from Jono, who has been working with the team at Te Tahi Youth.
Te Tahi Youth Transition Kaimahi Nathan Mitchell first met Jono a year ago.
“The first thing that struck me was Jono’s sheer drive and motivation,” Nathan says.
“Part of my job is helping rangatahi find their own path and sense of independence. I knew Jono would benefit from stepping out of his comfort zone, and he embraced the challenge.”
Nathan introduced Jono to Te Tahi Youth Employment Navigator Caitlin Harris. With her support, Jono made a CV, connected with potential employers, got some work experience and, most importantly, found his confidence.
“Jono is one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met, and he’s been working really hard to get to where he is now,” Caitlin says.
Where he is now is working at Novotel as a part-time food and beverage assistant. There he is learning everything from customer service to making coffee.
Jono says connecting with people is what he loves and hospitality was a way to tap into that.
“I just feel really proud of myself,” Jono says. “It feels good being more independent, and I feel like I’m growing up.”
“I’m really grateful to Nathan and Caitlin. They’ve been helping me do all the hard stuff so we can work as a team. Thanks to their support I’ve got to where I am today.”
Caitlin says when Novotel offered Jono a contract, it felt like the accomplishment of the year.
“He deserves every bit of his success. We are so proud of him,” Caitlin says.
Nathan, who has been with Jono since the start, is over the moon with what Jono has achieved.
“There’s lots of things we do to support young people, whether it’s building confidence or self-esteem, or time management and problem solving,” he says.
“This past year, Jono has done a phenomenal job nailing all of it. He hardly needs us anymore – that’s when we know he’s walking out of here with confidence.”
While working part-time Jono is also studying at Ara three days a week, dipping his toes into not only hospo, but graphic design and art history as well. It’s all a steppingstone to his dream career in IT.
“If there’s anything I’d say to young people like me, it’s don’t sit there and do nothing. Get up and do anything. Find that motivation and run with it,” he says.
Photo: Jono (middle) with Caitlin and Nathan from Te Tahi Youth