Students' job future enhanced

DIGITAL DUTIES: Lachie Rogers, Kuranui College Youth Guarantee Scheme student, gets down to work at South Wairarapa Computers. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Students at Kuranui College are enhancing their career opportunities through a new regional network that also helps schools and employers adapt to a changing workforce, says a college spokeswoman.

Catherine Rossiter-Stead said that about five years ago the Ministry of Education established the Youth Guarantee Scheme which included "a set of initiatives that are focused on improving the transition from school to work, by providing a wider range of learning opportunities, making better use of the education network, and creating clear pathways from school to work and study".

The scheme built on the successful Gateway and STAR programmes, she said, and a Youth Guarantees network had been founded as well to provide a "co-ordinated approach to encourage communities to work together to ensure the success of the nation's young people".

"The Wairarapa has a newly created Youth Guarantee network, which is focused on combining the knowledge, skills and expertise of all sectors in the community."

Kuranui student Lachie Rogers was "the perfect example of how this scheme can benefit students and local businesses", Mrs Rossiter-Stead said.

Lachie had spent the past three years completing work experience with the Greytown-based firm South Wairarapa Computers, after initially helping out during his holidays when he was a Year 10 student with a strong interest in computers.

South Wairarapa Computer "whizz-kid" Dillon Sykes was mentoring the Kuranui College senior, who has sole responsibility for designing a website for another Greytown-based business, A1 Homes.

Di Banks, Youth Guarantee Network chairwoman, and Kuranui College team leader, said similar schemes were invaluable for students.

"Only 30 per cent of students go on to university, so it's about adapting school life for the other 70 per cent. It's about combining school, work and outside courses and about adapting the school curriculum to meet the needs of students and employers.

"It's also about enhancing relationships with local businesses," she said.

It was a chance for Lachie to pursue his interests, while also arming him with references, qualifications and skills when he was ready to start work.

He was able to gain Level 2 and Level 3 work-based assessments in Digital Design and was hoping to study a three-year WelTec degree course in web design or networking, which includes a choice of six majors.

"I think it gives me a good start. For example, say you think you wanted to do web design, but you don't really know what it's about, doing something like this gives you an opportunity to see what it's about and ensures it's something you enjoy.

"It teaches you a lot about self-discipline. Being around adults who are running a business gives you a break from the lack of maturity you experience with students all day at college," he said.