Photo: Mark Shepherd from YETE, Tracey Shepherd, Education Manager REAP, Maria Mckenzie, MTFJ programme Lead, and Mayor Greg Lang.
24 September 2020
The council is making the most of the opportunities presented under the launch of the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs programme by placing its first young person into employment within its own organisation.
The Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) programme is a collaboration between the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and YETE (Youth, Education, Training and Employment) to help rural councils such as Carterton District Council assist businesses with recruitment, training and subsidies, so they can take on young workers not in education, training or employment or those who have been displaced due to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis. To do this, the council has teamed up with YETE/REAP Wairarapa to support up to 25 young people into education, training or employment.
The $250,000 of MSD funding will go directly towards training, upskilling, potential apprenticeships and support to businesses. The businesses and employees will also be supported for a period of time to make sure the employment arrangement is working well.
Carterton Mayor Greg Lang said the depth of experience of the team leading the programme would be the key to its success.
“We’re really fortunate to be able to work collaboratively with YETE/REAP Wairarapa on this programme as this is in their wheelhouse,” Lang said.
The team includes the council’s Community Services Manager Carrie Mckenzie as chair of YETE, Community Development Coordinator Glenda Seville who is supporting the programme for the council and being delivered by Maria Mckenzie as the project lead for YETE.
Mayor Lang said that it was a privilege to be front footing a programme which will make a huge impact in the community.
“We’ve never had a chance like this to create prospects for both employers and youth who are not in employment, education or training,” Lang said.
“This is an outstanding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our young people while helping businesses get the apprentices and employees they need to thrive.
“As an artist and trades person myself, I understand first-hand the need for a proper path to a trade or career, and with the right level of support around it, and this programme will do exactly that.”
The council has proven this already by placing its first young person in employment in its own Parks and Reserves team. Twenty-four-year-old Jasmine (Jazz) Cohen came to the council through a ‘work in the community’ scheme through Work and Income. Jazz was quick to impress council staff and is now employed permanently under the MTFJ scheme.
If you are a young person looking for employment or a business interested in taking part, visit the Carterton Events Centre or email our Community Development Coordinator Glenda Seville at glenda@cdc.govt.nz to be connected with our project lead Maria Mckenzie and the YETE team.