Waitomo District Council (WDC) will receive $250k to support locals into either long-term employment or training.

At today’s council meeting the decision was made to be part of the first tranche of The Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ). 

WDC will receive $250k with a provision for a further $250k in the second tranche should WDC be successful in achieving their initial goal of 25 locals into employment or training. Once met an application for the second tranche can be made but is not compulsory.

Mayor John Robertson says, “I’m absolutely thrilled we’ve received this funding. The opportunities it will provide our community are huge.”

WDC’s programme will focus on young people, not in education, employment or training as well as those displaced from employment as a result of Covid-19. Initially WDC will allocate funding to engage two coordinators who will focus on working with both groups.

The coordinators will also focus on setting up and establishing a district wide employer and employee network.

“We’ve had initial conversations with stakeholders and what’s clear is those looking for work need to know where to look, understand what opportunities are available and how they can become work ready. Taking a joined-up community approach will be key to the success of the programme.

The funding will also provide a great opportunity to try new things that will engage the right training, and help match up the employment need and demand, says Mayor Robertson.”

With the first tranche of funding WDC will focus on reaching targets and using the resourcing to set up a structure that is sustainable in the long term.

In July MTFJ announced a $11.5m fund for 23 rural councils in response to Covid-19 to help match up job seekers with employers. 

The MTFJ is an advocacy group charged with creating employment opportunities for young people and in doing so impacting their lives in a positive way.  WDC currently works alongside them to celebrate local apprentices with the Mayoral Graduations, and young Maori leadership with the Tuia Kaupapa.