YEA exists to ensure all young people in New Zealand between the ages of 13 and 30 have the skills and confidence to thrive in the changing world of work.

Our mission is to create a collective voice leading systems change for Youth Employability in Aotearoa.

OUR MAHI

WE'RE CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE ALL NEW ZEALAND YOUTH ARE WORK-READY

YEA is a systems change organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand advocating for our youth to be given the skills and support to become work-ready. We represent over 500 individuals, organisations, businesses, associations, and elected members who are committed to ensuring the future workforce is equipped with the skills needed to create strong communities and a robust economy.

Our education system is not geared towards preparing young people for the world of work and this needs to change. Too many youth are failing in school. Fewer than 50% of school students meet the criteria for regular attendance. Employers are struggling to find young people who have the required skills to make them a useful member of their team.

YEA wants to see the following available to all high school students from year 9 onwards:

• Employability skills training
• Career pathway support
• Driver Licence training

Our vision is all young people in New Zealand between the ages of 13 and 30 have the skills and confidence to thrive in the changing world of work.

Join us in making Aotearoa youth work-ready!

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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS TRAINING

YEA is campaigning for all youth from Year 9 to be taught employability skills along with financial literacy, employment rights and obligations, and driver licence training. 

Our Network represents a number of youth employability providers across the motu training work-readiness skills to young people. 

The Youth Employability Programme (YEP) resources are provided by Youth Town. Please contact their team for more information: youth.employability@youthtown.org.nz.

There are seven key skills that are needed in any type of work across all industries that employers are looking for: 

Positive attitude

• Is positive and has a “can do” attitude
• Is optimistic, honest and shows respect
• Is happy, friendly and enthusiastic
• Is motivated to work hard towards goals

Communication

• Understands, and reflects on, the way they communicate and how it affects others
• Asks questions when unsure or unclear
• Understands how employees, employers and customers communicate
• Speaks, listens and shares ideas appropriately

Teamwork

• Works well with others to complete tasks and meet goals
• Contributes to developing new ideas or approaches
• Works well with others of different genders, cultures or beliefs
• Recognises the authority of supervisors and managers, and follows directions

Self-management

• Arrives at work on time, with appropriate clothing and equipment to complete a workday
• Understands, and reflects on, their own words, actions and behaviour, and how these affect others
• Shows commitment and responsibility
• Is dependable, follows instructions and completes assigned tasks
• Is responsible for their own health and wellbeing, and follows health and safety guidelines in the workplace

Willingness to learn

• Willing to learn new tasks, skills and information
• Curious and enthusiastic about the job, organisation and industry
• Looks for opportunities to work more effectively to make the business better
• Accepts advice and learns from feedback

Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making)

• Identifies and assesses options before making a decision
• Recognises problems and uses initiative to find solutions
• Thinks about consequences before they act
• Recognises when they need to seek advice

Resilience

• Adaptable and flexible in new and changing situations
• Handles challenges and setbacks and does not give up
• Able to seek support and help when needed
• Recognises and accepts mistakes made and learns from them

CAREER PATHWAY SUPPORT

YEA is asking the Government to endorse the National Careers System Strategy to ensure our young people have the confidence and ability to make informed decisions regarding their studies and future pathways. 

The Tertiary Education Commissions (TEC) Transitions from Secondary School research identified that school leavers need to be equipped with decision-making skills for complex decisions. It found that learners need an environment that makes it safe to experiment with different options before making a decision, and they need to be connected into those opportunities. First-hand experiences show learners what a pathway is like and build learners’ confidence in themselves and their decision.

DRIVER LICENCE TRAINING

YEA calls on the Government to make driver licence training accessible to all youth at high school. 

70% of jobs require at least a restricted driver licence but only 24% of young job seekers aged 18-24 have a restricted or full licence. YEA is a partner of the Driving Change Network, a systems change organisation calling for equitable access to driver education, training and licensing for all New Zealanders, to advocate for driver licence training in High Schools. 

OUR VALUES

• Manaakitanga – we value people and relationships 

• Mana motuhake – we support initiatives that build rangatahi self-determination  

• He toa takitini – we work collectively 

• Raraunga – data-driven and evidence-based practice 

• Tohatoha rauemi – sharing resources and information 

OUR LOGO STORY