The opportunity for 60 young people to get into meaningful employment is being offered by NorthTec.

That number of 16 and 17 year olds has the opportunity to make a fresh start this year as part of the government-funded Youth Guarantee scheme.

The scheme is designed for students who are interested in gaining practical skills that will lead to a hands-on career in the trades, primary industries or hospitality, tourism or retail and it’s fees-free in Year One.

“Youth Guarantee is a vocationally-orientated scheme with a long-term vision because it provides a pathway for young people into a tangible career in sectors with real employment prospects,” said NorthTec’s marketing director, Dave Williams.

Students will complete a Certificate in Vocational Studies after their first year of study. They will study a core component known as ‘essential work skills’ which then leads into study in one of three optional stands. These strands are an introduction to trades and technology, an introduction to primary industries and and introduction to tourism, hospitality and retail.

“Students can also acquire NCEA unit standards if they wish to and with the agreement of their tutors. In the second year students would then be able to further their studies in their particular field of interest,” Mr Williams said.

“Students who’ve taken the trades and technology strand could apply to continue their studies on a modern apprenticeship programme or could enrol to study for a National Certificate in engineering. Those who have completed the primary industries strand could enrol for a national certificate in horticulture or forestry while others who have completed the tourism, hospitality and retail strand could enrol to study for their national certificate in hospitality.

To be eligible for Youth Guarantee students have to be 16-17 years old and not attending secondary school.

The Youth Guarantee course starts on February 15. For further information phone 0800 161 100 or email enquiries@northtec.ac.nz.