Refugee employment pilot

In October 2023 we announced our refugee employment pilot in Palmerston North to support refugees to access employment and development opportunities relevant to their skills and goals. It was a way to engage with the private sector to reduce barriers to refugee employment. 

Workbridge — Te Arawhiti mō Mahi, a nation-wide provider of employment services, implemented the pilot, which is now closed to new enrolments and is focused on supporting current clients.

Workbridge — Te Arawhiti mō Mahi website

Pilot outcomes

• Over 120 former refugees from 12 countries joined the pilot.
• Each person received a career plan, training support, and pastoral care.
• 63 participants have already found jobs that match their skills and goals.
• Another 15 are expected to be employed before the programme ends in December.
• The pilot helped fill a gap for refugees wanting career-focused employment.
• Many had worked before but couldn’t move into roles matching their qualifications.
• Most participants (91%) were Quota Refugees.
• Others came through Refugee Family Support (4%), Afghan Response (4%), or CORS (1%).

An independent evaluation of the pilot programme has been completed, and the findings will be used to inform the cross-agency work MBIE is leading to review the services provided as part of the New Zealand Refugee Resettlement Strategy.

Other findings

Barriers for former refugee clients

• Limited knowledge of local industries and job opportunities.
• Unfamiliar with how to search, apply, and interview for skilled roles.
• Few connections with employers and businesses.
• Not aware of or unable to access Government-funded training to build skills.

Barriers for employers

• Misunderstandings about the skills and residency status of former refugees.
• Challenges assessing workplace skills and health and safety awareness.

An infographic explaining the refugee employment pilot.

Full size image