The mapping project, the first action in the Hawke’s Bay Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) Regional Workforce Plan, follows a hui in September organised by the Hawke’s Bay Youth Futures Trust, RSLG, Hastings District Council, Connected and the Ministries of Education and Social Development.

Hawke’s Bay RSLG Co-Chair Erin Simpson says the hui was the perfect start for this project. “A highlight was hearing the amazing personal stories of rangatahi and others who have benefitted from the support of these programmes to achieve positive life and employment outcomes and the overwhelming value of excellent pastoral care.”

Ms Simpson says evidence shows pre-employment programmes help rangatahi and wāhine specially to move more smoothly into sustainable training and jobs.  “Employers, too, gain from partnering with pre-employment service providers because they get access to job-ready local workers who will receive ongoing pastoral support.”

The RSLG will be sharing the map and success stories with industry representatives in the region.