At the recent Māori and Pasifika Trades Training event, two more employers, UGL and KS Holdings, signed up to Auckland Council’s youth employment pledge scheme.
UGL employs around 8000 worldwide, 30 of whom are based in Auckland. The company’s approach to focus on diversity as a key strength is fully aligned with the purpose of the Youth Employer Pledge. UGL says “fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion is not only good for our people but also good for our business, our shareholders and the communities in which we operate”.
KS Holdings employs 250 across New Zealand, 150 of which are based in Auckland. Its formal commitment to the Youth Employment Pledge and Māori and Pasifika Trades Training initiatives build on and reflect a significant programme of existing activity that includes work experience opportunities, interns, graduates and apprenticeships and training, mentoring and professional and career development opportunities.
Auckland Mayor Len Brown says the addition of UGL and KS Holdings brings the total number of Auckland Council pledge partners to 34. “The list just keeps growing and growing and is on target for the 2016 of 50,”
Pledge partners collectively employ more than 30,000 people across key sectors. “All of the employers who have signed up should be applauded,” Mr Brown says. “It means more and more of Auckland’s young talent are getting into work and career pathways.”
About Māori and Pasifika Trade Training
The Māori and Pasifika Trades Training is a government initiative to help more Māori and Pasifika (aged 16-40) gain practical qualifications.
As well as being important to the Auckland economy, the trades training programme provides a significant opportunity for Māori and Pasifika learners who make up a large proportion of the resident population of the south.
It provides a free training and all Maori and Pasifika can apply regardless of educational achievement, background or previous work experience.
Trainees are exposed to real work situations and interact with employers while a mentor supports them.
In South Auckland, the programme is delivered by The Southern Initiative (TSI) Maori and Pasifika Trades Training Infrastructure Consortium, through Auckland Council’s TSI project.
