A strong partnership between the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) and local organisations has helped young people in Tararua accelerate themselves towards employment.

In August this year, the Tararua MTFJ teamed up with Tararua Community Youth Services (TCYS), Tararua REAP, and Te Waka Consultants to deliver a dynamic week-long Work Ready Course in Dannevirke. This course is designed to equip local rangatahi (young people) with the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to thrive in the workforce.

By the end of the course, participants had earned industry-recognised certifications - TTMW (Temporary Traffic Management Worker) and TMO-NP (Traffic Management Operative - Non-Practising) - through TTM Training Providers. These credentials open doors to careers in civil construction and roading, giving trainees the green light to work safely on active sites and build toward full certification.

But the course went far beyond traffic management - participants also gained practical life skills, financial literacy, CV and interview preparation and an introduction to local support services - all designed to help them step confidently into employment and navigate adulthood.

The course feedback was glowing: “Our trainers, Bryan and Coral, made everything easy to understand and gave us real advice about life and work,” said one participant. “I came out of it more confident and ready to get into work.”

MTFJ Coordinator Jaron Vince, said the course is a shining example of what can happen when local organisations work together with a shared purpose: “By collaborating with TCYS, REAP, and Te Waka Consultants, we’re not just helping young people gain qualifications - we’re helping them build confidence, purpose, and a foundation for long-term success,”

Of the ten participants on the Work Ready Course, six have secured employment with local company Tararua Traffic Management, while the others are actively pursuing opportunities across the district.

Tararua Mayor Scott Gilmore praised the initiative, calling it a testament to the strength of community partnerships: “This course is a great example of what happens when local organisations pull together,” he said. “When we back our young people with real opportunities, training, and encouragement, we’re not just helping them find work- we’re helping them build a future here in the Tararua District.”

The success of the course led to a second round in September, with results still rolling in. The local MTFJ team remains focused on practical, hands-on initiatives like this one - connecting young people with employers, building industry pathways, and investing in the future of Tararua’s workforce.