Employment hub to smooth way from school to work for area youth

• Published date: 11 August 2022
• Publication title: Katikati Advertiser

Initial research was done by Katikati Taiao which resulted in a Positive Pathways for Rangitahi pilot

Followed by government funding the project has resulted in the new youth hub and the Poutama Pathways into Employment programme will be delivered in a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua and Katikati Community Centre.

Youth employment coach Melody Lamb says they discovered youth in the Katikati and Waihi Beach ward faced many barriers in their transition from school into employment or further education, “such as lack of confidence, skills, poor public transport, and/or a feeling of disconnect from the community, that can leave rangatahi feeling unsupported and lost”, she says.

The programme provides Government funded support for youth aged between 15 and 24 who are not engaged in education, employment or training.

The programme into employment has two streams:

Youth employment coach services — one on one coaching, mentoring, and supporting youth on their journey to help them achieve their tailored pathway plan into education, employment, or training.

This could include help with career advice, goal setting, CVs, drivers licences, interviews, applications...