The Ministry of Youth Affairs will receive an extra $180,000 to expand the Youth Services Corps programme, Youth Affairs
Minister Laila Harré announced today. (Friday June 23)
The extra money will fund four additional programmes in two locations, Auckland and Rotorua, Laila Harré said.
The Youth Service Corps is a 20-week youth development programme that caters for16 to 20 year olds who have been
registered as unemployed for 13 weeks or more or identified as at risk of long-term unemployment.
Last year 18 projects operated, each with 10 members.
"Rather than trying to match young people to jobs they may not be suited to, this programme works on increasing
self-esteem, motivation and improving the basic skills all young people need to be successful in training or
employment," Laila Harré said.
"Trust groups administering the Youth Service Corps on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Affairs are community-focused and
tailor activities to meet the needs of the young people they are working with.
"The results speak for themselves. The Youth Service Corps has a 76% success rate for members moving into employment and
other training within six months of completing a programme."
The scheme combines community projects with practical education and challenging recreation activities.
In both Auckland and Rotorua Youth Service Corps members will, among other things, help implement sport and fitness
programmes in local schools.
Education activities include CV preparation, work experience placements and leadership training. Participants also gain
NZQA units of learning while on the course.
Photo op: The Youth Services Corps expansion will be launched in Auckland on Friday June 23. Youth Affairs Minister
Laila Harré will present certificates to Youth Service Corps members at St Josephs Primary, 125 Church St, Onehunga at
12.15pm.
ENDS