"We want to change the narrative of 'leaving school early or not going to tertiary means your choices to a career are limited'. We work together and with our networks to create pathways for rangatahi to obtain not just employment, but a meaningful career."
Learner Me chief executive Simon Singh says there are similarities in the challenges their rangatahi face.
"For example, in Taranaki, which has limited public transport, we have long wait times for driver licensing, so we are looking to fast-track this for those rangatahi who need it. Similarly, we are collaborating on wellness and pastoral care support — making sure it is comprehensive and consistent."
Tupu ā nuku programme manager Ānaru White says they are three organisations with similar values on the aspirations of whanāu and rangatahi.
"It made sense to come together and pool resources to collaborate and maximise the training opportunities for our rangatahi, getting them into sustainable employment. It's not about a quick fix; it's about long-term career pathways, giving rangatahi the skills and supporting them into the right work for them."
He says Why Ora covers health and education, Learner Me for IT, and Tupu ā nuku takes in conservation.
"It could be that we have a rangatahi come into our conservation programme, but they show an interest in the health or education sector or tech; through this collaboration we can better facilitate this."
Tanya says young people don't necessarily come to them because they have an interest in health or education, but because they already know and trust them.
"From this point of trust and utilising a broader network of trusted providers, all three organisations can open more doors for young people better enabling them to find their niche in a sustainable career".
