Wanted: Business Support for Work Ready Youth

Thursday, 17^th October, 2013

The first graduates of a new work readiness training programme for Tamaki youth about to hit the job market are looking for supportive businesses in which to start their career.

In what Michael Barnett, chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, said is an exciting pilot, Tamaki Redevelopment Company and Ngati Whatua O Orakei have partnered with the Auckland Chamber to run a comprehensive career assistance programme aimed at training Tamaki youth to become work ready.

“The real success will be when businesses in the Panmure-Tamaki area join in the programme to offer real work experience,” he said.

A key aim of the programme is to offer realistic and practical work readiness training to Tamaki youth between the ages of 17-24 years looking to start their career. The two-week programme covers basics of preparing a CV, job search and interview techniques, as well as visiting different work places to help participants understand how a modern workplace operates.

A supporting objective of the programme is to increase the proportion of people in Tamaki – Panmure that are employed.

Following the two-weeks of work readiness training which ends this week, the 20 participants will be matched with potential employers. The programme will provide support for up to a year, noted Mr Barnett.

“The ultimate success will be when businesses respond by offering opportunities for our youth to participate in real vocational work,” he said. It could be full time or part time work that is offered, and ideally the work place should be in the Panmure – Tamaki area easily accessible by public transport.

“I am passionate about this initiative. Good and successful businesses are locked in and close to the communities they operate in,” said Mr Barnett. “The Chamber’s job is to support business and part of that role is to invest in creating opportunities for our youth to participate and have a career in business.”

“I would love to hear from more businesses in Tamaki-Panmure passionate to grow their business and in doing so strengthen their links with the local community.”

For more information contact Michael Barnett, mobile: 0275 631 150.
Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.