Finding a job in good economic times for an experienced employee can be a hard enough task, but in the current economic climate, for our beginner workers and taiohi (youth) this feels like an overwhelming goal at the present time.

A hugely competitive recruitment industry currently means that often our taiohi who are ready, willing, and able to work are not getting the entry level opportunities that have been available previously.

Of the average 935 young people aged 12-24 years who participated in our most recent Youth Survey in 2024 (young people) aged 12-24 living in the Ashburton, Timaru, Mackenzie, Waimate and Waitaki Districts indicated that after leaving secondary school, 20% plan to find a job. 

Work experience, voluntary opportunity and lack of qualifications can be a huge barrier for our youth, a surprising statistic from the survey was that 30% of taiohi aged 16+ have no driver licence (23% in 2021) and a further 22% have only a learner licence (33% 2021). 

When asked what support they need to become more ‘work ready’, young people overwhelmingly indicated that they should be taught this as a course in school, and that more in-depth information on a wide range of industries would be beneficial. They also thought they should be offered more work experience and on-the-job training (Youth Survey 2021).

At the Y (along with some other Youth agencies) we offer referral-based Employment Pathway Services, which provide support to takata (people) searching for job vacancies.  We walk alongside them, preparing and updating CVs, developing interview and presentation skills, helping them to stay motivated and focussed.

As a local business or corporate you can support this mahi in many ways. Real world understanding from on-the-job experience is a huge help to setting young people on a pathway to employment success.  Work experience within a business allows them to gain new skills and a good understanding of the expectations in a workplace.  Learning to work with a variety of people in different industries gives opportunity to have experience that all adds to setting them up for success.

As a businessperson have you considered sharing your knowledge and expertise in a classroom setting?  Employers are welcomed into our spaces to discuss your business.  Insights into what are you looking for in employees, what skills and experience are favoured for new starters and your own career journey is always well received by candidates.

It truly takes a village to uplift and upskill and at the Y we are happy to hear from keen local businesspeople that want to make a real difference in supporting our youth.

We cannot wait to start working with you and your business to walk alongside our taiohi and set them up for successful futures, benefitting not just the candidate, but our wider community.

You can find more on our crucial mahi at www.ymcasc.org.nz along with our contact information.  Please, join us in our mission – Te Whakangao I te Reanaga ā Mua | Investing in the Next Generation.