Waitakere Youth Transition Service launched
Young people in Waitakere will get extra help in the transition from school to work with the launch of a new Youth
Transition Service, Youth Affairs Minister Steve Maharey announced today.
The Waitakere service, which will be delivered by the Youth Horizons Trust, is the first Youth Transition Services to be
officially launched. A total of 14 services will be rolled out by 2007.
The service will provide career training, job seeking advice, information on educational opportunities and customised
support for at-risk school leavers.
"Today's announcement is great news for Waitakere. The new service will play a vital role in ensuring young people in
the area are ready and able to seize opportunities for success," Steve Maharey said.
“The Youth Horizons Trust is well placed to draw together the range of services that young people will require, to
identify skills shortages and labour market opportunities, and to link young people with employers and training
providers.
"Today's announcement is an important step towards achieving the goal set by the government and the Mayors Taskforce for
Jobs to have all 15-19 year olds in work, education or training by 2007."
The Youth Transition Service, co-ordinated through the Ministry of Social Development provides funding for regional
programmes which: Provide at-risk youth with access to career planning and job-seeking help Encourage and assist youth
to take advantage of education and training opportunities Provide school-leavers with customised support and guidance to
facilitate their pathway into work, education or training
"It's estimated that up to 45,000 15 to 19 year-olds do not enrol in tertiary study or get a job after leaving school.
The Youth Transition Service is part of the government's $56.9 million package that will make sure these young people
have the tools to become productive members of their communities."
The Youth Transition Service is funded by the government and implemented in partnership with the Mayors Taskforce for
Jobs.