Recruitment Stories

 

Helen Bartlett
Physics/Science Teacher

Helen heard about Education Personnel through an advertisement in the Education Gazette.


 

 



Dealing with Education Personnel: 

"...I thought  Education Personnel  were very thorough and quick to respond to my queries.  I found the recruitment process excellent.  I felt updated and that I knew what was going on every step of the way with my application.  


Advice and Information provided:
Education Personnel gave me lots of helpful information on my visa application, applying to NZQA to have my qualifications assessed, applying for teacher registration, banking, health, insurance, shipping and baggage allowances.  I had to do teacher registration via Track 2 and they gave me lots of advice on that.  My partner and I opened bank accounts with ASB Bank.  We signed up via the migrant banking option in Auckland.  It was all sorted our incredibly easily. 

Education Personnel gave me some really useful information on the school
including ERO report websites and the schools website.  This was very helpful in preparing for my interview  The telephone interview was a bit scary and it was difficult to read peoples responses to my answers.  However, Education Personnel and the school made me feel very prepared and calm.

Teaching and Living in NZ
The school was very welcoming.  On my first day they gave me a Maori welcome and the whole staff stood up to sing me a song.  Then I had to say something.  They have included me in all social events that have taken part since I started.  There are a few other UK teachers in the school and they have come and found me to make me feel welcome. People in New Zealand have been very open and friendly easily making conversation with us.  The Scenery in this county is spectacular.  I am getting use to the way of life her in New Zealand which is more relaxed that in the UK.  There is more space in the playground, in the school and on even in the streets.  I think people deal better with more space. 

New Zealand
My partner and I chose to live in Wellington city as it is more of what we are used to.  We wanted to be able to access the outdoors and the sea and also have the nightlife and shopping the city can offer.  Our flat has a stunning view overlooking the harbour.  Wherever I got a job my partner was going to look for work.   I’m sure being the city has been easier for him. 

Advantages of Using Education Personnel
The benefits of using Education Personnel  is that your details get spread around more schools.  It was a real mission applying for jobs on my own I felt like I was forever on the internet or at the post office.  EP found out about  the jobs I’d had previously and my reasons for moving to a new country.  They then matched them up to what the school was looking for.  Education Personnel knew what type of school I would be suitable for! 

We are still settling in to life in New Zealand.  I guess the hardest thing is being away from your friends and family.  As we start to join clubs we will make new friends and that will make it easier for us to settle.  We bought a car in Auckland from a backpackers hostel off a guy leaving that day and we are heading off to explore around the South Island next week for the school holidays.

Yes I would recommend EP to other teachers."

Helen Bartlett , Onslow College, 2007