For Immediate Release – February 5, 2013

Call for young people wanting work

After a successful pilot programme last year, Malcam Trust’s Altitude Employment Based Training programme is again looking for participants.

The programme kicked off in Dunedin last year in partnership with the Otago Polytechnic and 4 Trades. The aim was to break down barriers preventing people aged 18 to 25 from seeking training and obtaining work. The two pilot courses were so worthwhile the Programme is now seeking more young people for the next intake.

During the 16-week programme participants are placed into a participating business, with 80% of their time spent in that business and 20% spent studying at Otago Polytechnic. More than 60% of participants in the pilot courses either got jobs or went on to further training at the end of the courses last year.

Programme manager Sonya Hill said the programme took a lot of hard work and risk away from companies in employing young people. The programme vetted and selected appropriate people and they had a two-week induction before any placement.

“We are the employer, therefore taking on all the issues that go along with that. The placement company helps refine the young person’s skill-set and enhances their employability.

Companies can offer the person a job after the programme, but there is no obligation. Either way the person on the course has gained new skills and proven, for 16 weeks, that they can hold down a job.

Ms Hill makes regular visits to the workplace and coaches the young people throughout their internships.

The immediate focus for the programme was on trades, in line with an expected increase in demand for skilled tradespeople in New Zealand. Later in the year that focus will widen, depending on available placement opportunities and courses.

Ms Hill said the programme was always happy to hear from potential employer partners, even if they were not trades-related, because they might be useful partners as the programme expands.

“We would like to build a good portfolio of companies.”

In 2013 the programme expects at least 65 people to go through the programme, in groups of 10 to 12. Young people or companies interested participating can get in touch with Ms Hill at the Malcam Trust. The current intake begins on February 18.
ENDS

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