28 Tāmaki youth graduating from employment programme
On Friday 13 June (2pm), 28 local youth from the Tāmaki suburbs of Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure will graduate
from a new career assistance programme called 'Career Start'.
The programme is aimed at youth between the ages of 17-24 years of age looking to start their career.
Last month, Mayor Len Brown issued a challenge to Auckland businesses to work with Council to respond to youth
unemployment issues across Auckland. Career Start is the response to that challenge from the Tāmaki Redevelopment
Company (TRC) and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
TRC, as the local urban regeneration company, is funding the course whilst the Auckland Chamber of Commerce will run the
comprehensive training programme. The aim is to provide 28 local Tamaki youth to become work ready and confident,
learning a range of skills from CV writing to responding to interview questions.
“The Auckland Chamber has been delivering work readiness programmes in South Auckland for the last five years, and
approximately 80% of participants have obtained jobs within eight weeks. So we are delighted that the Chamber is
supporting the TRC to deliver a second course in the Tamaki area” says TRC CEO, Debra Lawson.
“Whilst the unemployment rate across Auckland is 8.1%, in Tāmaki the unemployment rate is 17%. Others see that as
challenge but at TRC we see it as an opportunity. With the significant increase in regeneration projects occurring
across Tāmaki, particularly in housing, it is important that we find a way to get our young people employed in some of
those projects or programmes,” adds Ms Lawson.
Following the one-week programme, the participants are matched with potential employers and the programme provides
support for up to a year.
The Career Start programme has been tailor-made to meet the needs of Auckland business and Tāmaki local youth to
increase the proportion of people in Tāmaki that are employed.
This career assistance service is one of several economic development initiatives being introduced to the area through
the TRC’s urban regeneration programme.
ENDS