Downer Broader Outcomes Programme Success

13/10/2022

As part of our whole of life approach to doing business, we are committed to effecting and improving broader outcomes for Aotearoa, New Zealand.

As a response to mass unemployment in 2020 caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, our team saw an opportunity to provide career opportunities for those that had been displaced from their mahi (work). We had the work, so our dedicated Corporate Social Outcomes team went to the drawing board to develop a ‘Downer Ready’ plan. By July 2020, the Downer Ready initiative saw us launch two industry specific programmes, “Road Ready” and “Water Ready”.

Downer Road Ready Programme The programmes were designed to prepare participants for a new career at Downer, with a mix of technical capability training, soft skill training, and personal development, over the course of a week. The programmes were also designed to integrate the Te Whare Tapa Whā wellbeing model which considers a holistic view of wellbeing.

The programmes also meant that participants had an opportunity to meet others, network with their new colleagues, and get to know more about Downer’s values and culture before officially starting their new roles. Participants would also receive ongoing pastoral care upon completing a Downer Ready programme through our In-Work Success programme. This wraparound support means that they could be provided with the tools and resources they need to reach their goals and are supported to overcome any challenges they may encounter while working for us.

To date we have had 208 people graduate Downer Ready programmes. One of our programme participants Layla Kashanian joined the Downer Road Ready programme after applying through our careers website. Upon graduating Road Ready, Layla started her role as a General Hand with the drain-laying crew on one of our roading alliances. Layla’s leadership skills clearly shone through, and when a vacancy became available within the Communications and Engagement team, and Layla expressed interest, her manager Catherine Edmeades says, “it was a no brainer”. Within seven months of graduating Downer Road Ready, Layla is now in a Stakeholder Manager role. Catherine says “Layla’s built great relationships across the Queenstown business community and she’s a credit to the alliance”. Thinking back to her time during Road Ready Layla says the best thing about the programme for her was “the advantage of being exposed to another career pathway with Downer”. She also enjoyed meeting the other participants who came from all walks of life and felt she was given a safe space to open up and express herself. Whakamihi (congratulations) on your success Layla!

We are so proud of all of our people for the fundamental role they play on creating better outcomes for Aotearoa, New Zealand with their mahi. Ngā mihi nui (thank you) to all of you, and to our partners who enable us to deliver on our commitment to building diversity and equity within our organisation.