Holistic employment scheme for at risk Tauranga and Western Bay young people launched

WillieJackson made the announcement in Tauranga today. Photo / Sandra Conchie

Employment Minister Willie Jackson has announced funding for a new initiative to help up to 60 at-risk young people in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty gain jobs.

They will receive intensive training and extended pastoral support, thanks to a $407,400 investment grant for the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust's 'Imagine, Believe, Achieve (Moemoea, Kimihia, Taea)' employment training programme.

Jackson made the announcement at the Tauranga Moana Maori Trust Board office in Tauranga today.

The money comes from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment's He Poutama Rangatahi (HPR) fund.

"This programme will help equip young people living in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty with the skills and support they need to achieve their potential and gain jobs in the labour market," Jackson said.

"The 'Imagine, Believe, Achieve' programme offers vital support to communities with complex socio-economic needs, including high rates of youth unemployment.

"One of its core aims is to boost young peoples' confidence, resilience, and capacity to achieve their goals," he said.

The HPR funding would provide participants with intensive pastoral care from trainers and a psychologist, tailored education and training, employment opportunities and job placements.

Principles of Tikanga and te Reo Māori are woven into this 18-month programme wrap-around, whānau-centred approach to pre-employment training.

The Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust is known locally for its success with the Tauranga Boxing Academy, which forms a core part of the programme.

The trust will work with local employers to create employment pathways for young people in sectors such as construction, logistics and horticulture.

"Employers that engage with young people are making an investment in the future of their region and their businesses by securing access to a specially trained workforce," Jackson

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is contributing $310,000 to the programme's set-up costs, which include developing a curriculum and engaging local education providers.

"At a time of unprecedented change due to CONVID-19, the Government is working hard to establish employment pathways and secure Kiwi jobs. Now is the right time to keep investing in skills development for our young people," Minister Carmel Sepuloni said.

Jackson said employers that engaged with young people were making an investment in the future of their region and their businesses by securing access to a specially trained workforce," Jackson said.