Hon Rick Barker
Government Minister

5 July 2007 Media Release

Skill shortages and youth top agenda for East Coast

Launching the Ministry of Social Development’s Annual Regional Plan for the East Coast, Government Minister Rick Barker said today that addressing local skills shortages and the needs of young people have been identified as two of the top priorities for the region.

The regional plan is one of 11 being rolled out across New Zealand over the coming fortnight. The plans set out each region’s specific needs and development opportunities and how the Ministry of Social Development is responding to these.

“This plan contains a number of significant projects that will have a positive effect on many of those living in the region. It outlines what the Ministry is doing to support young people, families, people seeking work and the wider community, and it also highlights what is being done to address the issue of family violence,” said Rick Barker.

Some of the key projects included in the regional plan are:

- Supporting people into work: In the Kaiti community, the Ministry is working with a local provider to support 162 long-term unemployed clients into work. Services addressing self-confidence, health issues and employment skills will be provided to help these clients secure employment.

- Industry partnerships: Through Work and Income, the Ministry is building partnerships with local employers and providers to help address local skills shortages. New partnerships being launched in the coming months will offer carpentry and engineering training opportunities to up to 57 local young people.

- Youth Transition Service: A Youth Transition Service now operates in the Gisborne and Napier/Hastings communities. This service is supported by the Ministry and run in conjunction with local authorities. It provides support for young people moving from school into work or further training.

The regional plan draws together the activities of all of the Ministry of Social Development’s service lines within the East Coast region. These include: Child, Youth and Family, Work and Income, Family and Community Services, the Ministry of Youth Development, StudyLink, Integrity Services, and Senior Services.

ENDS

© Scoop Media