Some of this region’s best and brightest vocational graduates were celebrated at the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs graduation.
The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs is a nationwide initiative that brings together mayors, councils, businesses, and community organisations to help young people – especially those aged between 16 and 24 – into employment, education, or training.
It offers wraparound support, including help with CVs and job applications, driver licensing and transport assistance, PPE and work gear, even short-course qualifications like forklift, site safety, and first aid, as well as mental health and wellbeing support.
Sixty-eight students received certificates of recognition for their achievements across a broad range of industry-based training opportunities.
Graduates gained qualifications across 16 sectors, including agriculture, retail, fishing, horticulture, community work, health care, food and beverage service, and engineering.
The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs programme further highlights the benefits of ‘earn and learn’ employment pathways over traditional tertiary qualifications.
Mayor Tim King recognised the tenacity and true grit it had taken for students to get to this point.
“Juggling full-time work, study and family commitments isn’t an easy task, so those who have qualified must be extremely proud of their achievements.”
He also thanked the businesses and companies that have joined the programme.
“By committing to and supporting the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, local businesses and companies are helping ensure our region maintains and reinforces itself as a strategically important part of this country’s economy.”