When Ezra reflects on his time with Ara Rau, it is the hands-on, practical nature of the experience that stands out. From forklift training to barista skills, the programme offered more than just credentials. It was designed to build real-world capability, provide meaningful direction, and meet Ezra at a point in his life where he needed structure and support.

“Ara Rau helped get me work ready,” he says. “They gave me opportunities that built up my confidence and gave me options I never would have imagined for myself.”

Ara Rau’s approach goes beyond simply connecting people with jobs. Our work is grounded in three key areas: education and training, community support, and strong industry partnerships. Through tailored training and upskilling, the team supports rangatahi to identify suitable pathways and access qualifications that can open doors. They also work closely with local employers to make sure the skills being taught align with real-world demand, creating a more direct route from training to meaningful employment.

For Ezra, that sense of possibility was made real through relationships. “Probably Gina,” he says when asked what kept him going. “She made it possible and fun.”

“Having tailored support makes all the difference, not just in Ezra’s ability to show up, but in helping him believe he could,” says Gina Porter, Employment Mentor at Ara Rau.

Now working at Resene, Ezra has surprised even himself. “I’ve got a routine now,” he says. “I wasn’t used to waking up early and having something to get up for. I used to sleep late and live like someone without a job. Now I’m up early, I’m learning about paint, wallpaper, all sorts of things, way more than I thought when I went into it.”

The transition into work was not without its challenges. “I was quite overwhelmed,” he admits. “But now it’s nice to help Mum and have some money in my pocket. I’m able to contribute financially, which is a big shift.”

One of the more unexpected discoveries for Ezra has been the strength of the relationships he’s built in the workplace. “I didn’t think I was going to connect with everyone here, to be honest, but I’ve ended up getting quite close to my team.”

He credits Ara Rau with helping him discover and strengthen capabilities he continues to use every day. “I’m more willing to try new things. That’s been huge.” His confidence and interpersonal skills have developed through both the support of mentors and the experiences offered through the programme.

This outcome is no accident. Ara Rau works hard to remove barriers by partnering with local businesses to ensure rangatahi are not navigating the journey alone. Their wraparound support and employer connections are what make the transition from training to work feel more manageable and less intimidating.

While his long-term plans are still forming, Ezra has a clear sense of the direction he wants to head in. “I’m working on becoming more independent every day. One day I want to be an animator. For now, I’d like to stay here for a few years and get some good experience.”

He acknowledges the important role of those who have walked beside him. “My mum, my family, and Gina, I couldn’t have done it without their support.”

To others starting out in programmes like Ara Rau, Ezra offers a simple but grounded piece of advice. “Give it a try and keep going. Don’t give up.”

He is also setting his sights on some very real personal milestones. “I want to get less anxious serving customers. I want to buy myself a car. It feels good being independent, working things out on my own, like how to get to work. My mental health is in a really good place. And it feels great to be busy.”

Ezra’s story is a testament to what happens when education, community, and industry come together with care and intention. His journey with Ara Rau may have started with skills training, but it unlocked far more than a job. It unlocked belief. And that’s a foundation for any future.