Good Ideas - Samples

There are a wide variety of projects which Mayors are involved in, aimed at increasing youth participation in work, education or training. Over this period we have provided the Minister of Social Development with progress on a number of initiatives. These
short pieces give the Minister an idea of what is happening in local authorities and how good ideas can be shared.

A Trades Academy - Wairoa

Mayor Les Probert

Since 2002 Wairoa College, in conjunction with Work and Income has put over 40 students into apprenticeships locally, nationally and in the army. In addition, a Trades Academy has been set up where students spend three days a week at school doing literacy and numeracy, as well as any specialist subjects relating to their trade of choice and trade units. They then spend two days in the workforce, gaining practical skills with local employers. The academy has been operating for the last three years and has given many young people the opportunity they have needed to get jobs and/or further training.

Another initiative which has given young people valuable access to skills and visibility to an industry, is the Hairdressing Programme. A salon is hired for three hours a week and 14 students (Year 12 and 13) gain practical skills with an experienced hairdresser and also complete unit standards which are purchased from the Eastern Institute of Technology.The school provides the Gateway Work Exploration Programme, which opens opportunities for students and is involved with a CACTUS programme [an army influenced youth development programme for 12-17 year olds]. The programme involves one hour of physical challenges and fitness three mornings a week (6am-7am) for two terms (16 weeks). This has had major impact on the students involved.

The Skills Bus Tour - New Plymouth

Former Mayor - Peter Tennent

The Skills Bus Tour was a project undertaken to help address future labour market and skills shortages for the New Plymouth district. The project involved taking Year 10 students from High Schools within the New Plymouth district for tours of premium trade and industry employers, to raise the profile of the local trade and industry employment sector.

In all, 12 industry employers were involved throughout the day, providing information, demonstrations and site tours to 80 secondary school students from the eight secondary schools in the district.

Evaluation of the event showed an increase in knowledge amongst students and teachers of the range and type of employment and career options available to them within the trade and industry sector. The evaluation also showed a greater understanding amongst students of how school subjects related to different career options.

B LOYAL (Youth) Programme - North Canterbury

Former Mayors Garry Jackson (Hurunui) and Ron Keating (Waimakariri)

The B Loyal project (Businesses Linking with Our Youth And promoting Local opportunities) originated from the development of the North Canterbury Labour Market Strategy 2008-2013; Youth employment was one of the priority projects identified in the strategy.

Mayor Ron Keating (Waimakariri) As part of North Canterbury’s B LOYAL (Youth) Programme, Enterprise North Canterbury worked with seven local high schools to encourage and support the development of stronger relationships between the schools, young people and businesses. Since the launch of the programme in February 2009, 25 students have been assisted into work experience, part-time or full-time work with local B LOYAL businesses. These placements were with industries which include hospitality, tourism, agriculture, horticulture/viticulture, infrastructure, retail, Council and I-SITE. More than 55 businesses have signed up in support of the programme to promote local jobs/careers available for local youth. A number of Career Open Days/Industry Taster Days were held to showcase the diverse range of jobs (tertiary, trades and labouring) available in North Canterbury. Enterprise North Canterbury is also supporting the Waimakariri and Hurunui District Councils in establishing Youth Transition Services in North Canterbury.