“This powerful national initiative is designed to help young people build skills and confidence for their next phase of life” – YEP. Photo / Youthtown
“This powerful national initiative is designed to help young people build skills and confidence for their next phase of life” – YEP. Photo / Youthtown
A group of nearly 70 Gisborne Boys’ High School students got stuck into a volunteer project supporting native bush with the Department of Conservation.
The hands-on experience helping to re-bark the forest floor in Gray’s Bush was part of the not-for-profit organisation Youthtown’s Youth Employability Programme (YEP) last week.
“Thispowerful national initiative is designed to help young people build skills and confidence for their next phase of life,” said Gill Higgins, YEP lead for Tairāwhiti.
“It was a valuable opportunity for the students to apply their learning in a real-world setting.
“This gave them a practical opportunity to use the employability skills learnt through the school-based sessions, showcasing the importance of positive attitude, teamwork, and communication skills.”
Students volunteered their time to help re-bark the forest floor in Gray's Bush, as part of the Youthtown youth employability programme. Photo / Supplied
Youthtown’s YEP programme runs nationally in schools.
It combines theory-based employability learning modules with practical community and workplace experience to empower young people transitioning into employment.
“It’s great to see students getting involved in meaningful work that benefits our community and themselves,” Higgins said.
Gisborne Boys’ High School head of department for careers and transition, Maria Jefferson, said practical experiences were an important part of helping students consider their future pathways.
“We know that real-world experiences help students think more critically about their future pathways.
“This component of Youthtown’s programme encourages teamwork, communication and resilience, while also giving students the chance to contribute positively to their community.”
In Term 2, students will move into the next stage of the programme, undertaking work experience placements with local employers.
“This will give them direct exposure to workplace environments and expectations, helping strengthen links between school and employment.”
