Boot camp helps young trio find work
Three Lower Hutt young people are the latest to graduate from a boot camp style course, which has boosted their confidence and given them practical skills for job training, education and employment.
Sonny Taofia, Anthony Tonihi Meihana and Nikita Ruddock completed the course in September and their achievement was acknowledged at a recent YOUth Inspire Trust graduation ceremony.
The trio took part in a six week government-funded Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme at Burnham Military Camp in Christchurch. It included gaining their learner driver’s licence. Not having a licence is often a major impediment to getting work.
Meihana is now working fulltime at meat processing company Taylor Preston in Wellington. ‘‘Going to the LSV made me see that I was capable of doing things that I thought I couldn’t do. I became really motivated to make a better life for myself and my family.’’
Taofia gained important qualifications that helped him find employment. ’’The first two weeks at LSV were really hard, but once you get used to the drills and challenges that they give you – it was awesome. I know that I am responsible for my decisions for my future and I am willing to work hard to get a good career.’’
Ruddock also found the course hard, especially the physical exercises but ended up loving it.
The YOUth Inspire Trust works with training providers, schools and Work and Income to get young people into education, training or employment.
Trust chairman Matt Reid said the LSV course was just one of many YOUth Inspire initiatives that could make a life-changing difference to the future of young people.
More than 300 young people were registered with the trust and there had been 275 placements, mostly into employment.