MEDIA RELEASE
Saturday 19 June 1999

VALUES OF DISCIPLINE, COMMITMENT AND RESPECT PAY DIVIDENDS FOR TRAINEES

Young graduates of the Limited Service Volunteers Company at Burnham Military Camp have benefitted greatly by learning values of discipline, commitment and respect, Prime Minister Jenny Shipley said today.

Mrs Shipley spoke at the graduation ceremony of 101 trainees who have just completed a six week training course at Burnham Camp run by the Army on behalf of Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).

"The young men and women on this course [aged 18 to 25] have been taught the 'can do' attitude that can lead to employment and a better future.

"Each trainee has overcome stringent physical and mental tests to prepare themselves for today's tough competitive environment.

"They have learnt important values like discipline, commitment and respect which will set them up for a better future," Mrs Shipley said.

The graduates have not been trained for military duties, but have been exposed to the military lifestyle in terms of accommodation, food, punctuality, personal appearance and general physical and mental endurance.

"These youths have been subject to early morning wake-ups, military discipline, tramping, canoeing, abseiling and rock climbing.

"They have learned the cornerstone of the military ethic - respect for others, the development of self-discipline, and teamwork.

"Each young trainee has been encouraged to go beyond their comfort zone to learn what they are truly capable of," Mrs Shipley said.

The Limited Service Volunteers Company was established in 1993 to enable the Army to train unemployed people on behalf of the Employment Service.

The course is funded by the Government in conjunction with a number of public and private agencies.

"I would like to congratulate the New Zealand Defence Force for their involvement in this community-based initiative that has led to more higher skilled New Zealanders preparing themselves for a meaningful life in the workforce.

"All of the trainees have learned a variety of important life skills at a time of great difficulty with the onset of winter, and they have succeeded and I wish them all the best of success," Mrs Shipley said.

ENDS

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