A successful summer casual employment fair held earlier this month is likely to become a regular initiative to address seasonal variations in the workforce.

The Summer Season Casual Employment Fair on Saturday December 11 was organised to address a shortage of staff across hospitality, accomodation and horticulture, with the objective to create a ‘Covid Staffing Outsource Squad’ (SOS) - a group of casual workers who would be available over the busy holiday period.

The event was organised very quickly to meet an immediate need, and co-organiser Sarah Millwater (of Central Youth Recruitment) said despite it being “a short, sharp initiative” the fair was a success.

“We see this model going forward creating a solid pathway for young people gaining experience in the workforce and all the different elements of hospitality, such as marketing and networking,” she said.

Thirty-two Wānaka businesses (in hospitality, retail, and tourism) signed up for the fair, which attracted 27 casual workers, and due to a targeted online campaign the organisers continue to receive registrations.

Sarah Millwater (Central Youth Recruitment), Danielle McConnell (EASI NZ), and Samuel Porter. PHOTO: Supplied

The fair included CV training, barista training (with a coffee machine loaned by Apres Cafe), and customer service training. 

Health 2000 owner Jane Frooms was one local business owner offering training, telling organisers: “It’s about giving, not just taking.”

One of the success stories from the day was Sam Porter (17) who travelled from Clyde despite having his leg in a cast.

“He’s got a really good work ethic, and he will be doing some front of house stuff at Edgewater,” Sarah said.

Francesca’s owner Allan McAndie told the Wānaka App he secured two new staff members at the fair.

He said the staff shortage problem is a new one for Wānaka, as no travellers are coming into town looking for work.

“All those people who came through the front door [of the job fair] would not have had the opportunity to speak to employers. You’re there in person: it helps,” he said.

“It would be a great tool to have in the future for people who are traveling, people finishing their schooling, and so on.”

Sarah said the organisers, including Cherilyn Walthew of Enterprise & Staffing Innovations NZ (EASI NZ), will take what they’ve learnt from the inaugural fair when planning the next one.

“We were really fortunate to have Ignite [Wanaka] fund and drive the marketing with the help of local media and Kahu Youth,” Sarah said. She also thanked the fair’s major sponsor, Edgewater Hotel.