15 December 2015

YHA Commits to Auckland Youth Employment

By YHA New Zealand

Auckland – YHA Auckland recently signed the Mayor’s Youth Employer Pledge Scheme as a show of faith in the talent and potential of Auckland’s youth.

The scheme is a key initiative in Auckland’s Youth Employment Plan that connects employers with young Auckland talent to get them into the workforce and onto career pathways. YHA joined thirty-one other leading Auckland businesses who have also pledged to the scheme.

Prior to signing onto the scheme, both YHA Auckland hostels were highly engaged in connecting Auckland youth to employment through their Gateway and Work Experience Programmes with Edgewater College, Auckland Girls Grammar School, Ormiston College and the International Travel College. Signing up to the Mayor’s Youth Employer Pledge Scheme furthered this youth support.

Steve Collier, Auckland Area Manager and driving force behind YHA Auckland’s commitment, says, “The fact that one in five young Aucklanders is not in employment, education or training struck a chord with me. Signing up to the Mayor’s Youth Employer Pledge provided a formal platform to engage with Auckland youth to promote hospitality as a career, and YHA as an employer within this sector.”

YHA New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Marks Wells, says, “We are delighted to participate in this programme. It reflects YHA’s commitment to creating work opportunities for young New Zealanders and provide an entry point into the tourism sector. It also further demonstrates YHA's commitment to social responsibility and good citizenship.”

At the Pledge signing ceremony in December, YHA Auckland was nominated in the 2015 Young at Heart Awards in the School Engagement and Work Experience Award. While not winning the award this year, Steve says it was gratifying to have the hostel’s hard work recognised through such a nomination.

YHA New Zealand will continue their drive to employ New Zealanders. Steve says, “We look forward to attending job fairs next year to profile YHA as an employer both in Auckland as well as nationwide.”

For more information the Mayor’s Youth Employer Pledge Scheme: http://www.aucklandnz.com/business/youth-employment

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