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The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide network of Mayors working on the issues of work and livelihood in their communities. Begun in 2000 with 7 Mayors the Taskforce now has a membership of 68 Mayors (93% of all Mayors). It focuses on youth employment and engagement in local communities.
Goal
That all young people under 25 years be engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other activities that contribute to their long-term economic independence and well-being.
Youth Transitions Vision
Every school leaver has the support to connect to opportunities within their own community.
COMMUNITY FOCUS
Congratulations
Taskforce Chair, Mayor of Otorohanga, Dale Williams, is to receive the Wintec Medal recognising his role with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, his involvement in seeking training for youth in the district and his contribution to the Otorohanga Trade Training Centre, a Wintec Satellite Campus.
The inaugural Wintec Medal was presented in 2003.
WHY MAYORS?
Mayors are:
- Directly elected and they have a collective ability to speak to the whole community, take civic leadership and facilitate collaboration and genuine partnerships across all sectors
- Passionate about their communities
- Committed to providing opportunities for all their citizens to participate
WHY YOUTH?
- Research shows those who make a successful transition from school to education, training and work have better life long outcomes.
- NZ is suffering widespread skill and labour shortages so we need every young person to be fully engaged in our communities.
- NZ needs to train its young to help fill our skills shortages.
- The demand for entry and lower level skilled workers is also growing.
- There is global competition for skilled labour.
- Youth are an underutilised source of labour.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Taking Mayoral leadership to engage with government Ministers, officials, agencies, community groups and the private sector which have key roles in employment is the way the Taskforce works to achieve its vision. Partnerships with government agencies and Ministers provide the Taskforce with an opportunity to discuss policy issues and inform the policy making process, particularly to ensure that policy is relevant at the local level. Working across all sectors and encouraging collaboration between agencies ensures the most effective service delivery and efficient use of resources, currently through:
- Increasing youth transition services, modern apprenticeships, industry trainees
- Using Long Term Council Community Plans to engage locals
- Working with central and local government officials to develop sound policies and projects
- Using Mayors’ collective voice to lobby on behalf of youth employment
- Recognising and using the power of the Mayor’s office