Missy is one of our recent Road Ready programme graduates. Missy was ready to get back into the workforce after moving home to New Zealand from Australia in 2022. She wanted to be in a role that would be fulfilling and help her provide for her tamariki.

Roady Ready is a fully-funded pre-employment programme run by Downer in partnership with Ministry of Social Development; providing training, skill development and personal skills getting participants ready to start in full-time employment and a career with Downer.

Tell us about the role you’re in now you’ve completed the programme.

I’m part of the traffic management crew for Downer in Christchurch. I heard about the programme from MSD and thought it sounded like a great opportunity. It was definitely something that I was looking forward to and excited to become part of.

Tell us about your Road Ready experience.

We had a big week! We ran through a huge introduction – to each other as well as to Downer. We’ve done traffic control training, level 1 ticket. We’ve done first aid training, as well as our ‘working at heights’ tickets. It was very fun learning how to put harnesses on properly. We’ve learnt a lot about safety – for ourselves as individuals as well as with the company.

We’ve learned quite a lot, actually, and it’s definitely going to be something that helps us with Downer in the future.

What were your highlights?

My highlight of the week was knowing that my goal to be successful on a career path I wanted to be a part of is now reachable. It’s knowing that Downer has those extra benefits and supports that will help me get to where I need to be.

I’ve loved meeting a lot of Downer managers and other people and being out socialising rather than being at home twiddling my fingers! So yeah, the highlight is this new journey.

And, of course, the beautiful views from this venue (Spencer Park Surf Club in Christchurch) and the food! We’ve been looked after so well it’s all been absolutely brilliant, with amazing people.

How are you feeling about starting work?

I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m excited more. Yeah, I’m excited, really excited!

What are your aspirations as you start this path at Downer?

Getting back into the workforce is a big achievement for me. Not working for long hours, getting back into it and normal life, I suppose. It will be great being a part of the community and socialising with other adults other than my children! And having extra things in terms of finances for all my children and for my family.

Giving back to the community by keeping our roads safe as part of Downer is actually quite a good achievement in itself.

What would you say to anyone else thinking about joining one of the Downer Ready programmes?

I’d definitely recommend it 100%! If it’s something that they want to do, this pathway is definitely something they should try. They won’t be disappointed. I’m not disappointed, I don’t think anybody else here is either – we’ve all had a great time learning. So absolutely, I would recommend it.

Now you’ve been in the role a few months, how has the experience been?

I really enjoy learning new things every day. It’s also great to have good people to talk to at work, and I’ve made some great friends, like Fellyn Edwards in my team who also did the Road Ready course with me. Connor and Shy were on the course as well, and even though they aren’t in my team I see them from time to time and it’s like we’ve known each other for years. So being part of that programme has really brought me out of my shell because when I moved here, I only knew my partner and his family. It’s great to be part of such a solid team.

Learn more here about all of our ground-breaking Corporate Social Outcomes programmes.