“It’s essential to innovate. In our business of employment, we need to be innovative in order to keep up with the current employment trends and attract new income-generating business. There is a surge of innovation within the whole charity sector that has resulted from there being less philanthropic funding available generally. A number of charities are currently searching for innovative ways to be self-sustainable in order to have less reliance on philanthropic funding. For example, although historically we have provided a free service to client through government contracts grants and donations, we have initiated a fee-paying service that aligns with our mission. ” – Ali Brown
Catapult are delighted to have won the Champion Charity Small Enterprise Award in the Champion Canterbury Business Awards 2016! We’d like to thank the Business Awards for including a section for charitable organisations, and their recognition that ‘not-for-profit’ organisations do need to make an sustainable income to be able to provide their services. Thank you also to Rātā Foundation and The Press who sponsored this section. Credit for this award must go to both the staff of Catapult, who work incredibly hard to provide employment services to often very vulnerable people, and to the trustees, who generously give their time, guidance and governance. Catapult’s founder and patron, Kevin Blogg, also deserves a great deal of credit for his vision 12 years ago of setting up a supported employment service for people with disabilities. Catapult has worked with hundreds of Canterbury employers over the past few years. We are proud to say that Canterbury has a growing number of employers who see the abilities a person has, rather than any disability, and who employ a diverse range of people in their businesses. We welcome more employers to join with us in helping get Cantabrians into work. The people who come to Catapult for our services put their trust in our ability to provide them with excellent service — this award validates that trust.
Sophie has great customer service skills developed through her time as a crew member at McDonalds and her current volunteer role at the St Vincent de Paul store. Sophie’s skills include cash handling and EFTPOS transactions and experience in front-counter service. Sophie’s skills teamed with her friendly and optimistic personality and proven reliability mean that she would be an attribute to any customer service team. Sophie is looking for an opportunity to continue to develop her customer service skills through fulfilling a position in retail so if you are looking for a team player who shows a genuine willingness to learn new things and give anything a go, then Sophie is the one to call!
Hospo Superstar!! From washing dishes to front of house, Christina has done it all!! Reliable and trustworthy, with impeccable references, Christina is open to working days, evenings and weekends
Carol has extensive business and administration experience in a variety of industries including transportation, hospitality and medical. Carol is a professional, adept at customer service and client management. With proven skills in developing staff reward and retention systems, training, performance and succession planning, administration and rostering of staff. She is also fluent in both Mandarin and English. Carol is comfortable with high expectations and prioritises herself, resources and work flow for maximum benefit. Carol would made a valuable asset to your business.
Thomas (not real name), swearing and cursing, arrived at Catapult very discontented, having had knock back after knock back in his job search. His medical diagnosis of ADHD (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development) was exhibited in his aggressive approach to our service. Thomas was aware of the way his condition affected his behaviour and he suggested he would like a position that would leave him physically and mentally tired at the end of the day. While working with Thomas,we found that he had done some work experience while at school with a brick- and block-laying company. The company was identified and the owner, who remembered Thomas being a good worker, agreed to have a formal interview with him. Thomas started work the very next day and was enrolled to complete a Site Safe Passport. With some support from both the training organisation and Catapult staff, he successfully completed the passport. Two years later, all Thomas’s hard work, commitment and reliability paid off and he was rewarded with the offer of an apprenticeship with his employer.
Having a job is a way for all of us to feel we are being useful and contributing to society. Employment also boosts our social connections, gives structure and routine to our lives as well as increasing our financial and social independence.
Ryan is a well presented young man who is a skilled host and has excellent customer service experience. He is fun and energetic and has a number of commendations from previous employers and customers for his quality of service. Ryan’s skills also include cash handling and EFTPOS, front-counter service, the ability to run public exhibits and displays, and accurately process customer orders. He is familiar and capable with computers and can work with little supervision. If you are looking for a customer service star, someone who can help any customer from the most difficult to the gentlest to feel like they are your best customer, then Ryan is your man.
