CEDA partners with rangatahi MyMahi digital platform

Palmerston North Girls' High student Alicia Robinson is updating the front page of the MyMahi digital app with light and serious news items.

CEDA and MyMahi have partnered to develop and grow connections between local business and youth.

This partnership provides local businesses and industries the opportunity to highlight employment opportunities and future pathways in Manawatū to schools and young people right across the country.

MyMahi is a digital platform that enables students to self-manage their learning, future pathways and wellbeing.

Across New Zealand there are already more than 140 schools and private training establishments using MyMahi, and a new business profile section in the MyMahi app will enable these users to identify local opportunities and set career and study goals to align with it.

CEDA's talent and skills manager Sara Towers says CEDA is excited about the partnership which brings all the different parties together.

"Students and teachers are already using MyMahi but now they will be able to explore a range of opportunities Manawatū businesses have to offer.

"We know that our rangatahi want a clearer line of sight for their future but are often unaware of what is in their own backyard or how they might get there – this helps to solve that by bringing everyone together – industry, business owners, teachers and students."

Across the Manawatū, 35 businesses will create profiles on MyMahi at a reduced cost.

The business profiles allow organisations to engage with learners and young people on MyMahi, with each business also being highlighted in the app's newsfeed.

MyMahi commercial director Matt Webb indicated that 70 per cent of these learners leave school and enter straight into employment.

"They are always searching for reliable, relevant employment information.

"This platform gives employers a space to showcase career opportunities and pathways within industries, and to future-proof their talent pool.

"Businesses can use this platform to build brand awareness and to list job opportunities daily, unlike one-off publications or careers expos," Webb said.

MyMahi is a web-based digital tool for young people used by schools, tertiary education institutions and other organisations working with young people.

The MyMahi app assists youth to set goals, discover strengths, manage their learning, plan their future pathways, and become ready for work while receiving appropriate career guidance.

Students own and manage their profiles and take it with them on their journey through school and beyond.

CEDA is also working with MyMahi to fill five positions in Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) Cadetship programme which is designed to support Māori employees to achieve their full potential in the workplace.

The cadetship allows Māori employees to undertake training to upskill or develop themselves at any level, any age, and in any industry.

For this partnership, MyMahi will work alongside the employee and their employer, providing mentorship and advice throughout the programme.

Criteria for cadetship is available to a Māori employee or business owner currently employed or operating a business in Manawatū.

Cadets must have the desire to upskill or undertake further training. They can be any age across all industries, and all levels of upskilling will be considered.

CEDA encourages any business that wishes to learn more about the TPK Cadetship programme or MyMahi, including those wanting to purchase a business profile, to get in touch with talent and skills senior Kristi Atkins, Kristi.atkins@ceda.nz.