Timaru District Council started it’s Majors Taskforce for Jobs programme in August 2024, and since then 17 young people have been placed into full time employment.

Since August actively building relations with a wide range of local agencies has been key to getting young people in employment and staying in the district after school or in many cases instead of their final year in school, Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Coordinator Stacey Barnett said.

“We have collaborated with youth services, health and wellbeing providers, Pasifika and Māori organisations, local businesses, tertiary education providers and high schools,” she said

By working with these partners have focused on connecting with taiohi – getting to know what drive them, helping these young people set achievable goals, develop news skills and qualifications.

“Our aim is to support them in moving forward with confidence and a strong sense of self-motivation,” she said

MTFJ stats from August 2024 to April 2024

• 54 people are registered on the MTFJ programme since.
• 17 young people have been placed into full time employment.
• 6 Young people are contracted employed on varying hours.
• 7 have enrolled in full time study.
• 3 Apprenticeships

Businesses or young people who want to get in touch with Stacey can reach out to her via Stacey.barnett@timdc.govt.nz

Mayor's Taskforce for jobs coordinator Stacey Barnett standing bedside Chloe, one of the 17 young people who have been placed in full time employment through the MTFJ programme.