Workshop tackles youth unemployment

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE FIRST of three workshops aimed at lifting Gisborne youth employment was a success, say participants. The workshop focused on the perspectives of employers, education providers, government organisations and community organisations, around what barriers they thought existed between youth and employment and what skills young needed, or could foster to gain employment.

The idea is that the information from the three workshops will be used to create an action plan and the Tairawhiti Youth Employment Strategy.

The workshop was also about creating positive outcomes for young people across the education, training and employment pathways.

“In solving the issues around youth unemployment we are assisting employers and business owners to meet their labour and skill needs,” said Activate Tairawhiti economic development project manager Kim Holland.

Todd Foundation and Work and Income New ZealandThe workshops are funded through the Todd Foundation and Work and Income New Zealand and are facilitated by Activate Tairawhiti, using an independent contractor on behalf of other involved stakeholders, including Gisborne Social Sector Trial and Te Runanganui O Ngati Porou.

The next workshop, Rangatahi Futures, will take place on May 20 as a discussion between young people from throughout the community.

This is to gauge what they want and need and the barriers they are facing in gaining employment, said Ms Holland.

“Looking at what youth think from their perspective and facilitating that is important,” she said.

The third workshop next month will focus on key points from both workshops, to agree actions, to create pathways and opportunities for Tairawhiti talent, to better connect our young people with the world of work and local employment opportunities.

“That is when the real plan will come together and we will be able to see everyone’s collective thoughts.”