Employers doubtful on short jobs

Government millions thrown at jobless youth will not change their lives for the better, employers say.

Prime Minister Bill English announced on Wednesday that $50 million will be put towards a four-year jobs initiative targeting more than 5200 young unemployed Maori and youth who have been living off the benefit for at least six months in Northland, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and the East Coast.

English said at least 12 months spent working in the same job would set up a better future for those most at risk of not developing a positive work ethic.

Industry Training Federation (ITF) boss Josh Williams applauded the Government’s financial commitment, but he said it was not enough.

For some young beneficiaries, breaking the cycle of recreational drug and alcohol use required careers, not year-long jobs, Williams said.

‘‘It is not just about getting the job … We want them to be in the workforce for a long time.’’

He said the unemployed youth in the regions were often ‘‘rough around the edges’’ and were a tough ask for companies to employ, so businesses needed Government support to care for them.

‘‘If this is about longer-term social investment it is actually getting those core skills.’’

He said ITF worked with Industry Training Organisations and companies that employed youth beneficiaries and invested in their career trajectory by giving them literacy, numeracy and team working skills.

Prue Younger, chief executive of the Eastland Wood Council forestry group, said it tried to employ at-risk unemployed youth but it was difficult if they were already being paid to not work.

‘‘We need that person to value the ethics of work, to be drug-free and be motivated to work.

‘‘The system can often make that a challenge when they are comfortable on the benefit.’’