Over $2.27 million will be invested to promote skills, training and employment in disadvantaged areas of Tairawhiti, largely targeting road transport.
The investment by Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) was announced by regional economic development minister Shane Jones and employment minister Willie Jackson on October 2.
“This funding from the PGF’s Te Ara Mahi and He Poutama Rangatahi allocations means getting more people work-ready through the support of locally-led initiatives. We know this is essential for our regions to thrive and grow, which is a key priority for this Coalition Government,” Jones says.
The Tairawhiti Road Transport recruitment and training project will receive $999,000 and GDL2mahi, the rural education activities programme gets $697,000.
“The funding announced for Tairawhiti Road Transport – recruitment and training project will attract and upskill almost 80 truck drivers for local industries including road freight transport, forestry and agriculture,” Jones continues.
“With the current shortage of drivers predicted to increase, this programme is vital to make sure the region has access to skilled labour, while also improving the employment prospects of local people.”
Jones says the GDL2Mahi programme tackles the lack of driver licencing in Tairawhiti.
“Run by Tairawhiti REAP, this funding will scale-up an existing programme and train 300 people in rural Tairawhiti over the next two year for restricted, defensive driving and full licences, meanwhile helping people find work.”
He Poutama Rangatahi is funding $425,000 towards a pathway to trades programme.
“Rangatahi pathways to trades will receive $425,000 to expand the programme’s support of local rangatahi aged 20-24, to help more into industry-based apprenticeships, employment and further training,” Jackson says.
“With a focus on construction, engineering and automotive industries, this project will fuel major sectors in Tairawhiti with the right labour supply from local rangatahi who want a future career in the industry but need support to get started.”
Eastland Wood Council will receive $90,000 which Jackson says will support 25 rangatahi aged 16-24 through the Generation Programme and add driver and literacy skills.
“Support for worthy initiatives like these is another step towards reversing the neglect of our regions and their people, and I look forward to seeing what else these projects will achieve, Jackson says.
