The announcement focuses on the 24,000 teenagers who are currently not working or in education or training, and proposes support and mentoring for at-risk school leavers into earning or learning opportunities.

Rosalie Webster, Skills4Work CEO, says the figure of 58,000 young people under 25 years old not in work, school or training is a wake-up call. 

"We welcome these concrete proposals announced today. Improving the school-to-work transition, creating active training programmes and supporting employers to provide apprentice opportunities are critical," Rosalie Webster says.

"This policy shows a real understanding of the problems and the current disconnects.  Young people need the opportunity to train and industry needs skilled workers in order to grow the economy. What is needed is a clear pathway from school to the world of work."  

The announced package includes 5,000 new training places for 16 and 17 year olds, 1,000 extra group and shared apprenticeships and plans to fund 9,000 additional apprenticeship places.

"As a Gateway provider and a trainer in industry skills and apprenticeship programmes, we understand and support any initiatives aimed at supporting youth employment and training. In the end, our future is our young people. This is about NZ Inc.," Rosalie says. 

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