'Military course changed my life' - student

Tane Houston is now studying for a degree at Auckland University of Technology. Photo / Dean Purcell

Tane Houston always used to run away from the problems he created.

Surrounded by drugs, and committing minor crime, his path as a teenager could have led him to prison where his father is now serving time.

But six weeks in the hands of the military's Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme gave the North Shore man a whole new outlook.

"I had a real problem facing up to my responsibilities," Mr Houston, 21, told the Herald. "And then when I came out of LSV, I knew that I had to do that. It taught me that we are making the transition into adulthood now.

"It taught me I had to do something and I had to be somebody."

Now studying towards a psychology degree, Mr Houston is one of the success stories of the LSV programme - based at Canterbury's Burnham Military Camp - which helps hundreds of troubled young people a year on to the path to work or training.

The Government has taken notice of the scheme, providing funding for expansion into Auckland and the lower North Island. An additional 2500 spots will be provided for, as part of the $150 million youth employment package announced at the weekend by Prime Minister John Key.

According to the Defence Forces, about 45 per cent of trainees who complete the LSV's six-week course go on to get jobs, and a further 30 per cent enter trade-related training within three months of graduating.

Run by a mixture of Army, Navy and Air Force staff, the programme currently has room each year for up to 720 people aged 18 to 25, many of whom have minor criminal convictions or have served time in prison.

Participants are woken at 5.30am each day, pushed mentally and physically, and taught life skills in preparation for a working life.

Mr Houston was referred to the programme by a family friend, after committing assaults, drunken disorder and driving offences, and failing to hold down any "substantial" employment.

His father had been in and out of jail all his life, and introduced him to the making of methamphetamine.

"I had always been a little shit in school, but it really started hitting big time when I got involved with the meth and that was about when I was 17. It was a real hard time, but I'm glad I went through all that stuff because it's sort of made me who I am today.

"The LSV was a huge thing because ... it gave me a clearer picture as to what I was really capable of."

Mr Houston completed the LSV scheme in March, winning the top Warrant Officer's Award for his group. He is now studying for his degree at Auckland University of Technology.

The LSV commanding officer, Major Cate Linton, said the scheme had been a success because it provided challenges and positive reinforcement in a safe environment. "For the majority ... they have just lost direction. And in losing that direction, they have developed bad lifestyle habits.

"For example, getting up before lunchtime is a bit of shock to the system for some," Major Linton said.

"Throughout the six weeks ... you can just see the growth, the personal journey that they are going through.

"When they get to the end of the course, for many of them they are just so optimistic and reinvigorated."