Things may have gotten a little bit easier for young rural Soutlanders looking for employment, following the launch of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Community Employment Programme this week.

The government-funded initiative, run by Great South, is aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 within the Southland District rating area and is available at no cost for those not already in fulltime employment.

Great South Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe said the programme would fit well alongside its existing Southland Youth Futures Programme, which also has a focus on Southland youth who were not yet in education, employment or training.

“The difference is that one of our staff members will work alongside young people and employers throughout the employment process.

“Young people in rural communities tend to have limited access to services and training opportunities, and things like getting a drivers’ licence, which are all barriers to employment,” she said.

Southland District Mayor Rob Scott said more than 30 councils elsewhere in New Zealand were participating in Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, having supported over 1,000 young people into work since July.

“This programme is about finding local solutions, and we know our young people best."

“It’s a benefit to our communities and the wider economy if our young people are in sustainable employment.”

Informal opportunities for young people to drop in and find out more about the programme will be held in Te Anau (6 Mar), Winton (13 Mar) and Riverton (20 Mar) over the coming weeks.