Wellington Job Service I'm In Opens 2nd Centre, Targets 150 Weekly Appointments

1 articles · Updated · RNZ · Jun 4

Johnsonville gained I'm In's second centre on Thursday, expanding the Wellington employment service as it aims to run 150 one-on-one jobseeker appointments a week.
Nearly 600 jobseekers have found work through the service since 2023, including 150 since February after it quickly met an initial MSD contract to place 15 vulnerable young people.
Thomas Maharaj said unstable housing, drugs and AI-driven screening were major barriers, so the service pairs applicants with suitable roles and provides CV help, training, checks and drug testing.
Employers including Bidfood and Cool Runners said the model saves hiring time and improves retention, with Bidfood estimating 90% of recruits sourced through I'm In are still on staff.
MSD's regional commissioner said the expansion could help Wellington, where unemployment has reached 6%, by linking employers short of staff with people struggling to get into work.