The Youth to Work Strategy works to improve local solutions to pathway development, access, retention and achievement of youth outcomes within education, training and employment.
This strategy is driven by local MTFJ groups across the country. Each group is different but usually includes: The Mayor, employers, local iwi, government agencies, youth organisations, representatives from the educational and training sector and young people themselves.
Each group works towards achieving our vision by taking these 6 steps:
1. Identify – We identify local demand for skills from employers and analyse local opportunities or obstacles to youth employment;
2. Connect all young people to good support – We encourage the connection of ALL young people to appropriate support systems in our local communities. We encourage quality relationships, good information sharing and working with our stakeholders to influence positive choices for ALL youth;
3. Facilitate work readiness – We encourage a coordinated and collaborative approach to educate and train young people to meet the needs of local employers and industry. This is where supply meets demand;
4. Job opportunity and employer commitment – We help secure real job opportunities by finding out what local employers need and setting up discussions between employers, schools, training providers and support services. We support opportunities for voluntary work experience, paid employment, apprenticeships, cadetships and gateways to build skills, networks and opportunities for young people to participate in the wider community;
5. Mentor – We take a shared approach to mentoring young people in and out of the workplace to ensure positive results; and
6. Celebrate – We recognise and celebrate youth and employer achievements by establishing community events and activities that acknowledge young people, employers and those contributing to a positive change.
See examples of the Youth to Work strategy that have been implemented in local New Zealand communities: