A bright future ahead for eight Council cadets
Published on 22 December 2022
Pictured: Whangarei District Council - Council Cadetship Programme graduates (back) Jade Rata, Tylar Harvey (middle) Hana Taka, Paris Paraha-Kire (front) Chaice Runciman, Joshua Lim, Darnelle Tau.
Absent: Jayden Monk-Waipouri
Fresh ideas and energy, are just some of the many benefits that we are seeing from the Cadetship Programme. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in partnership with us and has placed 20 cadets into employment since 2020.
Our Chief Executive, Simon Weston, describes the collaboration as an exciting and career-enhancing opportunity for local people between the ages of 17 to 24.
“The young people that come through the programme are given the opportunity to gain diverse skills for sustainable employment.
“We’re thrilled to offer ongoing career development based on their interests and skills.”
Eight young cadets have received employment offers with Council. Their roles range from customer service to marketing and outcomes for Māori.
Weston says he is looking forward to the new staff bringing new ideas and creative input across each department.
“It’s important for us to acknowledge the contributions from youth that make the Whangārei District a better place to work in. We’re pleased to have them on board.”
MSD Regional Commissioner Graham MacPherson says the successful partnership with council is an example of how employers can utilise the products and services that MSD has on offer.
“We’re pleased to work with the council to help pay the cadet’s wages through the Flexi-Wage investment and there’s pastoral care through Work Ready NZ.
The Flexi-wage support ensures jobseekers get the skills and ongoing support they need and employers are supported too to facilitate staff members’ development.”
The eight recruits join 20,589 people across Aotearoa who have been supported into jobs through Flexi-Wage.
MacPherson says: “It’s not just a job, it’s a career and a stepping-stone to a bright future.”