GOOD YOUTH EMPLOYER PROJECT
The core purpose of the YEA Good Youth Employer Project is to gain a profound understanding of the needs, motivations, and aspirations of young people in the workplace and turn this understanding into a practical resource for employers. 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 an accessible resource that enables them to create workplaces where all young people can thrive.
The StartSmart induction tool is being designed specifically to support employers, particularly SMEs, in effectively onboarding and engaging their young employees. 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.
We have partnered with Student Job Search to run a six-month pilot of the resource commencing April 2026.
Pilot Lead Team:
- Tamara Buckland, Project Manager
- Logan Hemple, Youth Lead
- Eva Thompson-Smith, Student Job Search Partnership Manager
- Jono Craig, YEA Stewardship Group Representative
- Emma Godwin, YEA Director
The YEA Good Youth Employer project 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, 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.
For the discovery phase of this project, undertaken in 2025, Thinkplace were the design lead, and our two Youth Leads were Meg Lyster and Holly Duff. In the report, you'll find a list of the many organisations and individuals who particpated in multiple workshops.
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 |
