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Services & funding > Youth Development Partnership Fund > Round two projects > Futures cadet programme in full swing
Futures cadet programme in full swing
Organisations in the Far North have been offering valuable work experience and training to a group of motivated young people to better prepare them for the workforce.
 The Far North Futures Project is aimed at providing young people aged
16-25 years with a stepping stone towards sustainable careers and life
prosperity, through the provision of employment, training and personal
development within a business environment.
The programme is one of 11 youth-focused projects funded during the
second round of the Ministry’s Youth Development Partnership Fund
(YDPF).
The project, delivered by the Far North District Council, targets young
people registered with Work and Income who have a genuine desire to
improve their opportunities in the workforce and to become a
contributing part of their community.
Currently there are 10 young people on the scheme who are getting work
experience through local organisations. In addition, they have
completed driver licenses and first aid certificates.
Project coordinator Kay Ratana is delighted with the early
success of the project. “Organisations in the Far North have been very
supportive and have been offering the cadets important and challenging
roles within their organisations.
“The cadets involved in this project have not only improved their work
and life skills, but there has also been noticeable improvement in
their self esteem, motivation, communications skills and their ability
to self manage and make better life choices.
“Cadets are undergoing major transformations as they feel more positive
about themselves. Their outlook on life is positive, as they look at
their futures and their families’ futures, and begin to take more
responsibility for their own destiny.”
Far North District Council, Te Hiku Media, Sobieski Consultants and
Fulton Hogan are some of the local organisations who have taken on
cadets. Roles that the cadets have within these organisations include
customer services, financial accounting, film programming and editing,
administrative support and operating heavy machinery.
Additional opportunities are being sought in other business sectors in the region.
Far North Mayor, Yvonne Sharp, said the funding from the Ministry of
Youth Development made it possible for the project to be given
practical application.
"This is another good example of local government, government agencies
and the private sector working in partnership for the betterment of the
community. Judging from the success of the Northland Cadetship
Programme in which we have been heavily involved for the last three
years, I am sure this new initiative will provide real benefits for
both the cadets and their future employers," Mayor Sharp said.
A key objective of the YDPF is to increase achievement of positive
social, economic and wellbeing outcomes for young people. By providing
opportunities to develop valuable work, life and learning skills. The
collaborative efforts and input from Youth Transition Services and Work
and Income have also contributed to the success of this project.
Pictured in photo
The names are front row: Left to right, Moana Hill-Smith (Far North
District Council), Wallesha Tauranga (Sobieski Consultants). Back row:
Stuart Moeau (Te Hiku Media), Kyle Walker (Fulton Hogan Ltd), Kay
Ratana (Project Co ordinator), Darrell Kirau (Te Hiku Media) and Jade
Anderson (Fulton Hogan Ltd).
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