A year has passed since New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development (MSD) extended its Flexi-wage scheme to include support for jobseekers training to become qualified dispensing opticians (DOs). However, at the time of writing, not a single candidate has been hired as a DO nor trained through the scheme.

Vineet Chauhan, the Association of Dispensing Opticians New Zealand’s (ADONZ) immediate past president who fought to initiate the scheme, said the lack of uptake is disappointing. “This unique funding opportunity came at a critical time when the industry is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of DOs but it’s not getting the traction we had anticipated.”

Vineet Chauhan, former ADONZ president

Timing seems to be an issue with the scheme’s launch, said Chauhan, who returned from Fiji three months ago. “Being back in New Zealand has given me an opportunity to travel around the country. Speaking with DOs, the uncertainty and business impact of Covid has meant many are struggling to sustain hours for current staff, let alone hire and train new staff. The pandemic restrictions we’ve lived with during the last 12 months have also meant we are experiencing a somewhat delayed reaction to these issues.”

There’s also a lack of awareness about the scheme, which ADONZ is working to improve, Chauhan said. “We need to make sure information about the scheme is available to practice owners, whether they are optometrists or DOs, along with a clear understanding about what the scheme entails.” He’s currently working closely with two practices to ensure a smooth process and convey relevant feedback to MSD. “While the onus is on the business owner to take the initiative and contact MSD, the funding is there. It’s time to get on the bandwagon.”

The Flexi-wage scheme is available through Work and Income and was set up to support employers and upskill New Zealand jobseekers. It involves a wage contribution paid to an employer and possibly in-work support or training for an employee who might need it to do the job. It can also include advice to help new team members settle into the workplace.

For more information, contact ADONZ on info@adonz.co.nz or MSD on 0800 778 008 or www.workandincome.govt/flexiwage.