CHAMBER HUB

The collaborative actions of partners, sponsors, employers, for purpose, schools, government agencies, and individuals help us to connect people and business through employment and training.

In our last edition we focused on older workers. As we head into Summer, we would like to look at the needs, challenges and opportunities for younger jobseekers. Tourism, horticulture and other service industries are on the rise (slightly) so there are now opportunities for our younger workers to find and secure employment.

In a recent RNZ podcast, teenagers say they are struggling to get summer jobs. One teenager told First Up he was rejected for an entry-level role at a fast-food chain because the employer received 600 applications. This experience mirrors what many of our other jobseekers are finding challenging in the labour market; an increase in competition for roles is happening no matter the age.

Over the last four years, Chamber Hub has had the privilege of engaging with many younger adults including secondary school leavers and tertiary graduates, or those who are halfway through their apprenticeship but are also facing redundancies. Others have almost completed their degrees in specialist areas, while some have recently moved to our region and are looking for similar work that meets their existing skillset.

We have heard and seen that a great employer along with a positive work environment impacts their livelihood by building their selfesteem, positive relationships, and mutual trust. It’s a perk of our job to see younger adults find their way into employment and recently, we celebrated the success of a new graduate who found full time work in Hamilton. Post placement support reveals she is doing well and enjoying her new position.

We know we’re not alone in thinking our younger candidates are particularly important and that a vacant role within your organisation could be a stepping stone for them to become the next qualified Plumber or Electrician, Office Manager or Administrator, Cyber security expert, Project Manager, Chief Executive, Business Owner, and so on.

Over time, as business owners, the investments you make into youth could lead to finding a solution for potential succession planning. By employing young adults, it may help overcome challenges including building labour market capacity and reducing negative social behaviours.

We would love to see businesses in our network and beyond, make space for youth, for career awareness and information gathering, encourage company tour days and opportunities for job shadowing, offer summer internships and apprenticeships, and create more entry level employment with clear pathways. Thank you for all your support throughout 2024. We look forward to sharing more of our success stories in 2025.

Melissa Keith Placement Support Coordinatormelissa@taranakichamber.co.nz

Mary Sagen Placement Support Coordinatormary@taranakichamber.co.nz