MEDIA RELEASE
3 August 2009

Developing youth critical to economic recovery

“We will need the skills and talents of every young person to lift us out of the recession and improve our productivity”, Chair of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and Mayor of Otorohanga Dale Williams said today in support of the Government’s youth training initiatives.

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is very pleased to see the Government’s commitment to young people announced by the Prime Minister yesterday. The Taskforce goals that “all young people under 25 will be in education, training or work and that every school leaver has the support to connect to opportunities within their own community” will be greatly enhanced by the Youth Opportunities package.

“Keeping our young people in work and training is very important in a recession. We have been has been discussing these initiatives with Ministers Paula Bennett and Anne Tolley and working out how we can ensure maximum uptake of the opportunities”, said Mayor Williams.

The Taskforce will be encouraging mayors and councils to make the most of the opportunities for the young people in their communities.

“Mayors and councils know their communities well. They will be able to facilitate community projects, assist community organisations to use the schemes and establish links with the business community.”

“There is something here for everyone” Mayor Williams said, “and with support and encouragement the end result should not only achieve decrease in youth unemployment but also an increase in the skills of our young people.

“I will be encouraging mayors to facilitate information meetings with their local Work and Income offices, community organisations, iwi, marae and business to ensure all our young people are aware of the opportunities and are motivated to participate.”

ENDS

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