The Mayor’s Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) is celebrating another year of exceeding expectations in the Waitaki.

The programme, which supports young people into work and work placements, has surpassed its annual targets, and in less than 12 months.

Between July 2021 and June 2022 MTFJ achieved 65 placements, well exceeding the target of 50.

Out of those, 23 are apprenticeships. 

Between July 2023 and June 2024, MTFJ placed 45 young people in apprenticeships or employment in seven months – seven more than their twelve-month target.

Seventeen different industries were involved including mechanics, electricians, hospitality, engineering, building, farm contracting, farming, butchering, panel beating and masonry.

What makes the programme unique is it is run locally, not through Central Government. Funding has been provided from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), but local knowledge has been instrumental in planning and delivering the programme, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said.

“The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs is a fantastic example that local communities can often find local solutions to local problems. 

“The government can learn from this and get much better outcomes for our youth and our employers by devolving responsibilities and funding to local communities. By working with Waitaki’s high schools, our youth who aren’t in education or employment, and employers, we are ensuring our young people get the best start to their working lives.”

Sandra Familton of Workbridge and the MTFJ said the MTFJ is a valued link from schools to local employers, “working with the young people one on one and giving the pastoral care once they are in work for however long they need it”.

MTJF coordinator Eugen Dupu, also of Legacy Youth, said the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is probably the best example of the initiative’s success.

“Each person coming in touch with us gets an individualised work plan, which could involve family, business owner, employer, MSD and often other agencies related to their needs. The pastoral care element of the programme is benefiting both employers and job seekers.”

The mayor visited Network Waitaki on Friday to catch up with one of the MTFJ supported apprentices Trent Woodford.

Network Waitaki field operation manager Nathan Cunningham said the scheme suggested to them people who might be a good fit for Network Waitaki.

“Trent came through, and we saw the potential in him. He went into a trade assistant role, and is now an apprentice line mechanic. 

“He’s about halfway through his time here to become fully qualified. Our apprentices have a nine-week training course at our depot, showing them how to work the bucket and line trucks, change equipment on poles, and work at heights. It’s great to work with young people, and see them gain experience and confidence to use in the field,” Nathan said.

Trent said he put his name forward when MTJF came to Waitaki Boys’ High School, and the organisation helped with his curriculum vitae and driver’s licence.

“That led me to Network Waitaki. I’m now halfway through my apprenticeship and things are going okay. I’m hoping to go as far as I can, get qualified as a line mechanic and possibly become a live line line mechanic beyond that.”

With the success of the programme, the Waitaki team will be seeking further funding to expand it even further and provide more opportunities for work in the district to those entering the workforce for the first time.

In the next few weeks, Gary plans to visit Brad Williamson Racing and Riverstone Kitchen to catch up with employers, and MTFJ workers and apprenticeships in the next few weeks.

Trent Woodford takes the mayor up in the bucket lift at Network Waitaki's training centre. Photo: Supplied