Rangatahi Stories

Mayors Taskforce For Jobs partnership with Outward Bound proves to be a success

When it comes to getting young people into the workforce, the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) in Ōtorohanga has introduced a new way to help get them employed. It recently partnered with Outward Bound and it’s proving to be a success. As a result MTFJ is getting more young people into work. With a target to put 50 people into employment by the end of June this year, MTFJ has already helped 76 people secure work.

Elle Freestone, Project Navigator, Ōtorohanga Employment Hub, MTFJ says the reason for the partnership is because Outward Bound gives young people the opportunity to further challenge themselves and grow. “We just sent two 17-year-old girls from Kawhia, which is a very rural area with a population of about 300, and they have come back with clear ideas with where they want to be and what they want to do.”

Elle talks to YEA about MTJF, its partnership with Outward Bound and why focusing on the individual is the best approach.

The Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide network of New Zealand’s Mayors, working together towards the vision of all young people under 25 being engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other positive activity in their communities.

Outward Bound is a non-profit organisation specialising in personal and professional development – Its aim is to help create better people, better communities, and a better world. Check out this document for Outward Bound insight.