YMCA welcomes announcement about training subsidies

Media Release 5 May 2011
For Immediate Release

YMCA welcomes pre-Budget announcement about training subsidies for young people

The YMCA today welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will spend $55.2m on work and training subsidies for young people over the next four years.

The package includes $17.2m for employers to employ and train young people in the aged care, horticulture, and agriculture sectors as well as other high demand industries. A further $13m will go to an extended version of the Job Ops scheme which will now include training.

Ric Odom, CEO of YMCA New Zealand, said the Government’s announcement is an important step towards ensuring youth are engaged in the workforce.

“Youth training is an important part of ensuring youth are engaged in the workforce as early as possible. However training alone will not achieve the Governments aim of ensuring young people are work-ready for good solid jobs.

Dave Green National Youth Services Manager for the YMCA, agrees. “There also needs to be consideration given to some of the other, sometimes complex issues young people must cope with. These include emotional issues, low self esteem and the frustration of being told they need work experience yet being unable to obtain that experience. Working on these issues while at the same time making it easier for young people to enter training programmes ought to lead to better employment opportunities for young people” he says.

Employers will get a $5000 subsidy for training and in-work support to help the young person achieve a recognised industry qualification to NZQF level two. Around 1000 youths a year are expected to benefit.

The Youth Employment Package has three components: Skills for Growth, Job Ops with Training and the Limited Service Volunteers programme.

Since its introduction in 2009/10, Job Ops has helped more than 10,000 young people get work.

Mr Odom says “I am encouraged by the Government’s announcement and look forward to working alongside the Government agencies who will implement these training programmes over the coming months”.

ENDS