Southland Youth to Benefit from New Employment Support Program

• A Central Government-funded job initiative for young rural Southlanders has been launched, aiming to tackle employment barriers.
• The initiative, part of the MTFJ Community Employment Programme, is executed by Great South and targets youths aged 16 to 24 not in fulltime employment.
• Information sessions in Te Anau, Winton, and Riverton will offer direct engagement opportunities for interested individuals.

A new program, funded by the Central Government, aims to assist young people in rural Southland find employment. Launched in Riverton, Te Anau, and Winton, the initiative comes under the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Community Employment Programme, a collaboration between Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The Southland District Council is in charge, with Great South executing the plan.

Great South’s CEO, Chami Abeysinghe, explained that the program would complement the existing Southland Youth Futures Programme, which targets young individuals not engaged in education, employment, or training. “The difference is that one of our staff members will work alongside young people and employers throughout the employment process,” Abeysinghe stated. He highlighted that rural youth face challenges like limited access to services, training, and even obtaining a driver’s license, all of which hinder their employment prospects.

The initiative focuses on 16 to 24-year-olds within the Southland District rating area, offering support at no cost to those not in fulltime work. Southland District Mayor Rob Scott shared his enthusiasm, noting the program’s introduction to Southland after its success in other parts of New Zealand, where it helped over 1,000 youths find jobs since July. “This programme is about finding local solutions, and we know our young people best. It’s a benefit to our communities and the wider economy if our young people are in sustainable employment,” Mayor Scott said.

Information sessions for interested youths will be held in Te Anau, Winton, and Riverton libraries on specific dates in March, providing a great opportunity for direct engagement.