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Te Tahi Youth chosen to pilot new employment programme

Simon Britten and Jane Denton 4

Te Tahi Youth has bolstered its employment team after being shoulder-tapped to trial a new programme to get jobseekers into work.

Te Tahi Youth is the only provider in Canterbury asked to pilot the programme and, with 50 spaces, is the largest provider nationwide.

“It’s a real credit to our team and a recognition of the success we have achieved to date supporting young people into employment,” says Te Tahi Youth Employment Team Leader Simon Britten.

The programme runs on a similar model to Te Tahi Youth’s current approach to employment support.

“We will be working alongside each young person looking at what’s going on for them and asking how we can help them plan for their future. We will help them prepare for work, supporting them with employability and interview skills and visiting workplaces so they get some first-hand experience.

“It’s a formula we know works and we’re delighted to have the chance to offer it to more young people,” Simon says.

The programme is open to 18- to 24-year-olds who have been on Jobseeker Support for at least 12 months or who used to be on the Youth Payment and have transitioned to Jobseeker Support.

“So far the response to the programme has been overwhelmingly positive from the young people we have engaged with as well as the team from the Ministry of Social Development, who are referring people to us.”

If a young person is interested in being referred for the programme, they can speak to their Ministry of Social Development case manager or can contact Te Tahi Youth.

Image: Te Tahi Youth Employment Team Leader Simon Britten with Te Tahi Youth Business Opportunities Broker Jane Denton.