GOOD YOUTH EMPLOYER PROJECT
The core purpose of the YEA Good Youth Employer Project 2025 is to gain a profound understanding of the needs, motivations, and aspirations of young people in the workplace. By engaging directly with both young employees and employers, the project aims to bridge the gap between expectations and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and supportive employment environment. The ultimate goal is to equip employers with a practical and accessible resource that enables them to create workplaces where all young people can thrive.
The Start Smart induction tool will will be designed specifically to support employers, particularly SMEs, in effectively onboarding and engaging their young employees. Inspired by the MBIE Employment Agreement Builder, it will offer a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help ensure new young workers are set up for success from the start. Grounded in the guiding principles of this project, this prototype will thoughtfully incorporate tikanga, particularly reflecting the intentions embedded in pōwhiri.
The YEA Good Youth Employer Project 2025 stands as a testament to collaborative effort and a deep commitment to improving the landscape of youth employment in Aotearoa. Following a six-month discovery phase, our report reflects the journey undertaken, celebrating the diverse voices and insightful contributions that have shaped the project's direction. With the generous support of the Todd Foundation, the JR McKenzie Trust, and the Len Reynolds Trust, and the dedication of numerous partner organisations, this initiative has delved into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities present in the current employment landscape.
Thinkplace were the design leads, and our two Youth Leads, Meg Lyster and Holly Duff, led the consultation with youth.
We have completed the discovery phase and a full report is available here:
We are now working with partners to develop a prototype. Before the resource is launched, we will pilot the product with employers and young employees.
If your organisation or business would like to test our resource, please sign up below.
EXISTING RESOURCES & RESEARCH
AOTEAROA |
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| Food and Fibre Cove | EMPLOYER TOOLKIT |
| Ministry of Education | EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT TOOLKIT |
| Careers NZ | EMPLOYERS TOOLKIT |
| MITO | TOOLKIT FOR SUPPORTING NEW STAFF |
| Auckland Chamber | YOUTH READY EMPLOYERS - TOOLKIT |
| Ministry of Social Development | LEAD TOOLKIT FOR EMPLOYING DISABLED PEOPLE |
| Auckland Council | GOOD EMPLOYER MATRIX (Maori & Pasifika) |
| Youth Employment Success | ONLINE TOOLKIT |
| REAP | GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS |
| Co-design Lab | THE ATTITUDE GAP CHALLENGE |
INTERNATIONAL |
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| Youth Futures Foundation UK | YOUTH EMPLOYMENT TOOLKIT |
| Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board - Ireland | TOOLKIT FOR ENGAGING WITH NEETS |
| CEDEFOP | VET TOOLKIT FOR EMPOWERING NEETS |
