The billion trees initiative continues its march into Northland with a new forestry training scheme enabling youth to earn while they learn.
The scheme — called Tupu Ake — which offers 15 to 24-year-olds tertiary qualifications and life skills on top of fulltime paid work with Northland company Forest Protection Services (FPS) was officially launched in Whangarei on Friday.
FPS has partnered with NorthTec, which will provide the classroom component, and Te Matarau Education Trust, which will offer life skills and pastoral support.
Kevin Ihaka, managing director of FPS, said the 12-month scheme was geared to ongoing employment and create professional foresters.
"The Tupu Ake point of difference is that our young people walk straight into work with Forest Protection Services," Ihaka said.
His company offers the youth fulltime weekly wages for working in the forests.