SKYCITY youth employment recognised

SKYCITY, one of Auckland’s biggest employers, has been named ‘Auckland Youth Employer of the Year’.

The Young At Heart Awards, which are in their second year, recognise the commitment of businesses that have signed up to Auckland’s Youth Employer Pledge, and are actively employing and developing career pathways for 15 to 24 year old Aucklanders.

SKYCITY was recognised for its commitment to helping the region’s young people into jobs and training.

‘‘It’s an honour to receive this award,’’ Amanda Tolley, Group Manager, Talent Acquisition and Development at SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited says.

‘‘Almost a third of our 3000 employees are young people and we strongly believe that the youth of today, are our talent of tomorrow.

‘‘It’s important to nurture young people not just by employing them, but by giving them access to education, training programmes and mentoring for the industry,’’ she says.

The Youth Employer Pledge programme is delivered by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) as part of Auckland Council’s Youth Connections programme, and is designed to help Auckland’s 23,000 young jobseekers who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Figures, based on analysis of

NEET rates and the Household Labour Force Survey, show youth unemployment rates have dropped from 21.1 per cent to 12.4 per cent since late 2010. ATEED General Manager Business Innovation & Skills, Patrick McVeigh, praises the efforts of Youth Employer Pledge partners.

‘‘Auckland businesses are preparing for growth and many are experiencing a skills shortage. ATEED’s role is to help employers create career pathways to employment and get young people work ready so they can move into these high growth sectors,’’ he says.