Fresh Start Opportunity For Youths

Fresh Start Opportunity For Youths

NorthTec will be providing sixty 16-17 year olds with the opportunity to make a fresh start in 2010 as part of the Government-funded Youth Guarantee scheme.

The scheme is designed for students who are interested in gaining practical skills that will lead to a hands-on career in the trades, primary industries or hospitality, tourism or retail and it’s fees-free in Year One.

“Youth Guarantee is a vocationally-orientated scheme with a long-term vision because it provides a pathway for young people into a tangible career in sectors with real employment prospects,” said NorthTec’s Manager – Foundation Learning, Margie Matthews.

Students will complete a Certificate in Vocational Studies after their first year of study. They will study a core component known as “essential work skills” which then leads into study in one of three optional stands. These strands are “introduction to trades and technology”, “introduction to primary industries” and “introduction to tourism, hospitality and retail”.

Students can also acquire NCEA unit standards if they wish to and with the agreement of their tutors.

In the second year students will then be able to further their studies in their particular field of interest armed with the literacy and numeracy skills associated with that particular trade area. “This means that they are more likely to be successful long-term as they work toward completing a qualification in their chosen trade area.”

Students who have taken the trades and technology strand could apply to continue their studies on a modern apprenticeship programme or could enrol to study for a National Certificate in engineering.

Students who have completed the primary industries strand could enrol for a National Certificate in horticulture or forestry.

Students who have completed the tourism, hospitality and retail strand could enrol to study for future study in a number of related areas. “The 2011 Rugby World Cup will create a range of exciting opportunities in this sector for young people who have a recognised skill base in those areas.”

To be eligible for Youth Guarantee students have to be 16-17 years old and not attending secondary school.

The Youth Guarantee course starts on 15 February. Parents, caregivers and students who are wanting more information about applying for a Youth Guarantee place at NorthTec can phone 0800 161 100 or email enquiries@northtec.ac.nz.

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