Govt adds 2000 places to Job Ops

The Government has confirmed another 2000 places will be added to its Job Ops scheme, which aims to get more young people into work.

The scheme offers a $5000 wage subsidy over six months to help low-skilled young people find work, and there has been plenty of interest from employers.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said the extra Job Ops places added to the 4000 announced in August, and the Government had set aside $8.9m to fund the increase.

"Youth unemployment numbers have stabilised to just under 19,500. That's down to the success of Job Ops and the real difference it's making," Ms Bennett said.

She said New Zealand was heading into a tough time of the year for job seekers.

"It'll also be tough for tertiary students who are looking for summer work. Jobs are sparse and competition is high. There'll be thousands of students who need work to help finance their studies for the coming year."

Ms Bennett said over 160,000 students were registered with Student Job Search, which was a 60 per cent increase on the same time last year.

As a result, the Government was investing nearly $1 million in a campaign with Student Job Search to target businesses and individuals and help connect people with the right student.

"It could be anything from participating in the great Spring Clean campaign, to getting a student to help build your website and attract more customers to your business."

- NZPA