Employment Support
Youth Inspire’s Employability Programmes support rangatahi aged 15 - 24 to build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to get a job - and keep a job.
Developed by COMET, the Youth Employability Programme (YEP) includes practical learning activities that focus on the key skills employers say they value most in young workers.
Our programmes run Monday - Thursday, four days per week, and provide a supportive environment where rangatahi can grow, gain experience, and prepare for employment.
Our Employability Programmes
EPS - Employment Placement Services
8 Week Programme
Ages 18-24
MSD Referrals | Job Seekers Benefit
Monday - Thursday
What’s Included:
Employability skills training: teamwork, communication, positive attitude, self-management, willingness to learn, thinking skills, and resilience
CV, cover letter, and and interview preparation workshops
First Aid Certification
Budgeting workshops
Interview clothing support
Snapper cards for travel costs
2 weeks of work experience with local businesses
Weekly household food parcels
Daily food provided during class
Ongoing support throughout the programme
Job coaching and job seeking support
Site visits and practical experiences
Advocacy and additional support where needed
HPR - He Poutama Rangatahi 10 Week Programme
Ages 15-21
Community Clients
Monday - Thursday
Registrations currently closed
What’s Included:
Employability skills training: teamwork, communication, positive attitude, self-management, willingness to learn, thinking skills, and resilience
CV, cover letter, and and interview preparation workshops
First Aid Certification
Budgeting workshops
Interview clothing support
Snapper cards for travel costs
4 weeks of work experience with local businesses
Six months of pastoral care
Life skills and confidence building
Cultural identity and personal development
Site visits and practical experiences
Support after the programme finishes
Fun activities that help build confidence and connection
Employability Skills
Throughout the programme, rangatahi apply their learning during real experience placements with local businesses. This allows them to develop practical skills, build confidence, and gain valuable references for their CVs.
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Self-management is the ability to regulate behaviours, thoughts, and emotions in a way that supports personal and professional growth. Developing self management is not easy but it’s worth doing. As rangatahi develop these skills, they also grow in confidence and leadership.
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A willingness to learn is the desire to gain new knowledge and develop new skills. Employers highly value this attitude, as it shows a person’s commitment to improvement and adapting to new challenges.
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Work environments can present challenges. Resilience helps rangatahi overcome setbacks, manage stress and continue moving forward with confidence.
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Critical thinking is the ability to question, analyse and evaluate information to make sound decisions. We help rangatahi develop the confidence to think independently and make informed choices.
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Communication is essential in both the workplace and everyday life. Rangatahi learn different communication styles and develop the confidence to express themselves clearly and effectively.
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Teamwork involves working collaboratively toward shared goals. Even in independent roles, strong teamwork skills help create positive workplace relationships.
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A positive attitude means approaching situations with optimism, resilience, and a willingness to find solutions. This mindset helps rangatahi navigate challenges and stay motivated.
Jay - From Music to Baking
Jay completed the Youth Employability programme in August 2022. His passion was music, and he completed his work experience with Goodtime Music Academy (GTMA). He loved it so much he ended up volunteering there once his placement had finished.
Although shy to start with, Jay ended up connecting and engaging with other young people on the GTMA programme and developed strong communication and social skills through the programme.
He then gained his Barista Certificate with Trade School Kitchen, and secured a baking apprenticeship with Janus Bakery, where he continues to work today.
Ronin - Self Development
Ronin was initially nervous and guarded when he first visited Youth Inspire to ask about our Learner Driver Licence course.
After learning about our Youth Employment Programme, he decided to give it a go. At first he was hesitant to participate in activities, but he soon made friends and became comfortable with his classmates and tutors - later becoming a leader amongst the group.
During his work experience at Carboglass, Ronin gained valuable hands-on experience working on a variety of projects, including helping disassemble a race car.
He later applied for a job with Z and was successfully offered a role.
“I absolutely enjoy everything that’s happened for me this year, thanks Youth Inspire! I am a changed man - I feel brand new.” - Ronin
Catherine - Business and Painting
Catherine completed the Youth Employability Programme in August 2021 with dreams of someday running her own business.
She decided she wanted to learn administration skills and we placed her in work experience with Allied Security to learn all things administration (including HR processes and accounts). There her confidence grew along with her skills.
Later she realised she also wanted to be a painter. We connected her with JSL Renovations, where she became the company’s first female painter.
She quickly fell in love with the job and is still with the company today.
“It's an absolute privilege to be able to support our local young people, they deserve as many opportunities as we can provide so they can achieve their goals.”
Gemma - Funding & Relationships Manager at Youth Inspire
Supporting rangatahi beyond employment
Alongside employability training, we support rangatahi with a range of additional services including:
CV and cover letter writing
Job seeking support
Interview clothing and preparation
Mental wellbeing support
We also partner with local organisations to provide workshops on topics such as:
Interview preparation
Budgeting
Tax and IRD support
Where needed, we can also help arrange PPE for work placements, support transport to work, or even help rangatahi enroll in courses such as barista training.
We also organise volunteer opportunities, allowing rangatahi to give back to their community while building valuable experience.