Community
Youth transition services like Work’n it Out work to help young people aged 15 – 19 years who’ve left school, to fulfil their potential as New Zealand’s future.
Focus groups with school pupils and Work and Income clients found many young people had low expectations, low self-esteem and were not prepared for life after school. They said it was a good idea, even necessary, for them to have a support system they could turn to for help.
Between 29,000 and 44,000 young people nationally are not participating in work, education or training. That’s a high rate of inactivity by international standards.
For every young person who doesn’t transition to work, training or further education there is an economic and social cost. Inactive young people face heightened risks of poor outcomes including lower earning capacity, greater reliance on social assistance, criminal offending, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and poorer mental and physical health.
Work’n it Out is part of the Government’s youth policy which recognises the need to assist young people. It also complements the national Mayors Taskforce for Jobs policy which aims to ensure all young people up to 25 years will be in work, training or education.
In 2007 Community Stakeholder Groups were established to take a leadership role in developing the Work’n it Out service in the Timaru, Waimate, Mackenxie, Otago, Central Otago and Southland areas. These groups include representatives from the following:
Councils
Mayors and council staff - All mayors are committed to helping young people into work and training. Their promotional work raises the profile of the programme and highlights positive activities young people are involved in. Many mayors are members of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs which aims to get all people under the age of 25 into work or training.
Work and Income
The Regional Commissioner for Social Development is committed to supporting the goal to have all young people reach economic and social independence through employment, further education or training. All Work and Income staff are also committed to helping young people reach their potential through employment. The Ministry of Social Development’s Work and Income
service funds Work’n it Out.
Other Government Departments
Government departments are increasingly working together under a co-ordinated government approach. Together they are better able to assist young people. Police, Child, Youth and Family and District Health Boards are some departments that are regularly in contact with young people and, where appropriate, they can make referrals to Work’n it Out.
Schools
Principals, Teachers, Guidance Councillors, Boards of Trustees - There are 50 mainstream secondary schools supporting their school leavers by providing information to Work’n it Out. Staff in these schools play an important role in helping young people to shape their future by referring those who are unsure of where their next step is to Work’n It Out. Many schools also have Careers Advisors or Guidance Counsellors to help before young people leave school.
Organisations Working with Youth
It is important youth organisations are fully aware of what Work’n it Out has to offer and work together where necessary to best support young person through their transition period.
Employers
Employers benefit from helping young people into work, enhancing the capability of their business by having a skilled workforce, and leading young people into fulfilling working lives. Employers can assist young people by identifying opportunities for training, employment or apprenticeship.
Māori groups and Runanga/Runaka
The many runanga between Invercargill and Timaru nurture and assist Māori youth into jobs and training. They can refer young people for mentoring and support.
Economic Development Units and industry groups
Economic Development Units are tied to District Councils throughout the region including the Central Otago, Clutha, Dunedin, Mackenzie, Queenstown Lakes District Councils, the Waitaki Development Board and Venture Southland. They can ensure entry level job positions are made available to Work’n it Out clients. Employers Associations and Chambers of Commerce also participate. |
