Finding his footing with first job in security

Taimua Pupi Holi (left), known to most as Semi, has been employed in his first job since leaving school last year as a security guard, currently looking after Te Papa.

When Taimua Pupi Holi, known to most as Semi, finished school last year, he wasn’t sure what came next.

Like many young people in his position, he wanted to help out at home, but didn’t have a clear career path.

That changed when he joined the Porirua Whānau Centre’s rangatahi holiday programme, and later, the Mana Motuhake programme.

“He just kept showing up,” says TJ, the Whānau Centre’s Programmes Manager, who worked closely with Semi.

“He had no clear plan at first, but over time, his confidence grew and so did his vision for the future.”

Through the Whānau Centre’s support, Semi earned his First Aid certificate, secured both his learner and restricted driver’s licences, and enrolled in an entrance-level carpentry course at Whitireia in Porirua.

The Whānau Centre also helped him get his student allowance sorted.

But the turning point came when he met First Contact Managing Director Darryl Stonnell, who saw something special in him.

“After our presentation, I got talking with him,” Darryl says.

“He told me carpentry wasn’t really for him, but he’d stuck the course out because he’d committed to it. That kind of integrity, you can’t teach that.

“It told me everything I needed to know.”

Darryl offered Semi a role as a security guard, despite the competitive environment.

“We pay the living wage, $27.80 an hour, which means we often get university grads applying.

“But attitude matters more than a piece of paper. And Semi had the right attitude.”

While Semi is still new to the job, Darryl is already seeing signs of potential.

“There are things to tidy up, sure, but our commitment isn’t just giving someone a job. It’s helping them succeed.

“He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t yet realise how much he’s capable of.”

Semi agrees that the programme helped him see the world differently.

“Before, I had no idea about some of the stuff we learned.

The pou sessions, the stories, the community hangis, just being around the boys. I got my licence, my First Aid, got on a construction course. I’m really grateful.”

For Darryl, hiring Semi is part of a bigger picture: giving young people a chance to grow, so they can one day walk through doors that might otherwise stay closed.

If you are 18 - 24 and want help getting into employment, education or training, get in touch with the Porirua Whānau Centre on (04) 237 7749 or visit poriruawhanau.org.nz