The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs has recently collaborated with training agency +IMPAC to  give eight young district residents a great head start.

The eight young people who are part of this scheme each obtained their Forklift Operator Certificate during a recent training day in Timaru.

Mayor Nigel Bowen said that as on top of the main qualification, for one participant the course counted towards NCEA credits which meant they could achieve level three.

“The young participants worked incredibly hard throughout the day, demonstrating focus, determination, and a commitment to mastering the skills needed to operate a forklift safely and effectively,” Bowen said.

During the simulator modules, candidates were exposed to various VR-simulated road and workplace conditions, as well as environments that included scenarios impossible to replicate outside of VR without posing unacceptable risks to people or equipment.

“By the end of the course, they had gained essential skills, including safe manoeuvring, load handling, and navigating challenging work environments, they are now well and truly ready for their next step on their employment pathway,” he added.

“This is one of the reasons I was keen to support the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs in this district. It’s a really positive programme where we can get teenagers upskilled while job seeking, and both connect them with local employers and during courses and enable them to connect with their peers.”

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide network of New Zealand’s Mayors, working together towards the vision of all young people 16-24 engaged in employment, education, training, or other positive activity in their communities.

MTFJ runs advocacy projects and partners with best-practice organisations to promote the economic well-being of young people. Partners include MSD, Tuia, Outward Bound, and Te Pūkenga.