Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme delivers for local youth and employers
During a tricky time for Central Otago young people to find sustainable employment in a tough job market, the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Community Employment Programme (CEP) has helped over 20 young people into work since the initiative began a year ago.
The programme, born of a partnership between Central Otago District Council, Local Government New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development, focuses on getting 16 to 24-year-olds into sustainable employment, highlighting the power of localism while promoting community-led solutions for youth employment, education and training.
“Rural mayors have well and truly embraced this programme across the country – we see the benefit in retaining local talent, upskilling our young people, and helping both employers and employees navigate the process. It is great to have this in Central Otago,” Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said.
“We know that the transition from school to training, further education or employment is more challenging today than has previously been. Removing barriers, such as not having a driver licence or the right safety gear, through to helping with CV writing and how to prepare for an interview, means young people have a better shot when it comes to being ‘work ready’.”
Mayor Alley and MTFJ coordinator Craig Gilchrist saw the programme benefits first-hand when they visited the Roxburgh Hydro station to meet Logan Hay and his employer, MB Century, which specialises in hydro, geothermal and hydrogen maintenance and engineering solutions.
Through working with MTFJ, Logan was successfully placed as a trades assistant, part of the team replacing the 60-year-old turbines. Five months in, he is thriving in the position and was hoping it would be part of a long-term pathway into a mechanical fitter’s apprenticeship.
Describing how the MTFJ programme helped, Logan said: “Keeping me motivated when I was finding it tough; Craig was able to find opportunities when I thought there were none, put me through some training, helped me with CVs and applications, kept me positive, and made me realise what I would be good at. I couldn’t be in a better job. It is a perfect fit. Everyone at the dam is awesome, and I am learning new things every day.”
MB Century Ltd was passionate about supporting local youth and the wider community, Project Manager Jennifer McLean said. “We are new to the community and are here for the long run. Embracing the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme and employing Logan has proven to be a really positive decision. Logan had clearly been well supported to be work-ready, and a good match for us. We have no regrets bringing him on. He shows commitment, brings a fresh set of eyes, and is keen to be trained. Engaging with the MTFJ programme eliminated a lot of the risk for us when recruiting.”
Mayor Tamah encouraged other employers and young people to reach out and reap the benefits of working with MTFJ.
“A big part of the success is down to building relationships with both employers and employees. There is also an element of pastoral care that often workplaces don’t have the time to cover off. Starting in your first full-time job, or getting a new one after a few false starts, can be daunting. Having support from an adult who’s not your parent can be the difference between another false start, and success.
“I am so proud to be able to continue Mayor Cadogan’s work in this space. With a background in Youth Aid, I have a great understanding of the benefits for young people that come with having something to do and something to hope for.”
Details about the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme can be found at https://www.codc.govt.nz/services/economic-development/mayors-taskforce-for-jobs, or Craig can be contacted direct at mtfj@codc.govt.nz or 022 621 5739
Additional notes: Funding for this project was secured through Mayors Taskforce for Jobs through Central Government. The programme is specifically targeted to 16 to 24-year-olds who meet the criteria of NEETS (young people not in education, employment, or training), people living with disabilities and other disadvantaged people into work. So far, 36 councils around New Zealand are involved in the programme. For more information go to: Community Employment Programme | Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.
