Council’s partnership with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) delivers real jobs for young people in the Stratford District.
Seventy nine young people in the Stratford District were referred to Stratford District Council for job support this year and every one of them was assisted in some way.
Of those, 51 moved into paid work experience through the MTFJ Community Employment Programme, a nationwide partnership between MTFJ and MSD. Most of those roles were full time, which is the kind of work that breaks the ‘on benefit-off benefit-on benefit’ cycle the Mayor says has become a pattern in the district.
They went into a range of different industries including trade support, hospitality, healthcare, transport, farming, manufacturing, retail and IT.
Mayor Neil Volzke said the result comes down to knowing the district. “Many of the jobs are never advertised. In a place our size, a coordinator who knows both the local young people and the employer can open a door that no job listing ever will.”
“The support is practical, offering CV writing, interview practice, work clothes and tools, upskill training, or a quiet word with an employer willing to take a chance on someone,” he says.
New funding criteria this year focus on young people currently receiving a benefit. MTFJ remains committed to supporting all young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Nationally, MTFJ placed 1,084 young people into work or training in the year to 30 June, well past its target of 900. Government funding has been confirmed for the programme to continue.
About MTFJ
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is a nationwide movement of mayors championing locally led solutions to youth employment.
Through its partnership with the Ministry of Social Development Industry Partnerships, the Community Employment Programme (CEP) supports councils, businesses and communities to connect young people into meaningful jobs. Since 2020, CEP has placed thousands of young people into work across rural and provincial New Zealand.
More information: mtfj.co.nz
