The project which aims to support young people currently not in education, employment or training into the local workforce was launched earlier this year.

Mayor Dan Gordon says, “In two short months our MTFJ programme is already starting to prove its worth as a means to support and empower local young people toward a positive future.”

“Recently the team have been involved in a programme with local High Schools and are making further connections in the community each week. I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have on young people in the District.”

Elizabeth Trevathan, MTFJ Facilitator says, “I’m really pleased with the interest we’ve had so far with over 25 young people reaching out for support and we’ve placed three young people in employment already.”

“We’re making good connections with local businesses who are keen to get involved and provide opportunities for young people in our District too.”

Elizabeth and Mayor Dan Gordon had a working lunch earlier this month with Principals and careers advisors from the four High Schools across the District to talk about how they could work together. The team were also present at the North Canterbury Youth Futures Expo.

Bruce Kearney, Rangiora High School Principal says, “This is a great initiative that a number of our students could definitely benefit from. One of the biggest barriers to employment for some of our young people is driver licences so it’s great to know that there is funding to support lessons, licencing fees and defensive driving courses to help to overcome this.”

Find out more about the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs here.