NORTHLAND REGIONAL CADETSHIP PROGRAMME
THE ‘WHY’ Presentation by Mayor Yvonne Sharp
FNDC Programme Manager THE ‘HOW’ Presentation by Tania McInnes FNDC Programme Manager
This cadetship programme was an initiative by the Northland Mayoral Forum. (Far North District, Kaipara District, Northland Regional & Whangarei District). Partners in the programme are Work & Income NZ (W&I) and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). We also received strong support from Manukau City & New Plymouth District Councils, who were a tremendous inspiration.
THE AIM OF THE PROGRAMME To provide our young people with a stepping stone towards long-term employment and sustainable careers, through training, personal development & work experience within a Council environment. To promote Local Government as a viable & exciting career option for our young people.
HOW WE GOT STARTED Initial Northland Mayoral Forum discussion FNDC took responsibility to investigate the possibilities Talked to the experts - those already with Cadets Received commitment from the Mayoral Forum Followed by commitment from senior staff at Council Formed a working group across the region Joint MoU signed by the six parties Tailored the programme to work in our own area
2004/05 WORKING PARTY Representatives: Far North District Council Kaipara District Council Northland Regional Council People Potential TEC (not present) Whangarei District Council Work & Income NZ/MSD
FINANCING THE PROJECT We have received strong support from several sectors; Work & Income provides a work subsidy TEC are paying for all training (initial and ongoing) MSD, through MTFJ, have contributed $2,860 per cadet The Council departments taking on a cadet contribute to the balance of wage & administration costs
SPECIFICATIONS 12 month programme (now into their sixth month) Candidates had to be registered with Work & Income 11 potential cadets commenced two months training 21 from across the Northland region Seven were chosen for 10 months employment within FNDC There are 14 cadets across the Northland Councils NZQA credits (National Certificate in Employment Skills) Employment is not guaranteed on completion
ISSUES TO OVERCOME (AS A SCHEME) Designing a programme that worked across the District Working party have time, commitment & belief Buy in from Council staff Understanding the scheme & what it was really about Timeframes Suitable candidates Travel distances Consistency & continuity of programme and people The right project manager – it does take passion and commitment!
THE PROCESS OF SELECTION Advertising via W&I Group interview Individual interviews Selection for training Initial Powhiri & welcome Final selection for cadetship
FNDC PROGRAMME After two months training; First week induction Cadets introduced to Councillors Commenced on $9.50 per hour Three month review (increase to $10.50) Initially weekly meetings, now fortnightly Supervisor – work issues, Project Manager – the other stuff Individual catch up’s Monthly two day training sessions
THINGS TO KNOW It is not always an easy road It takes dedication & commitment It is not always an easy road The rewards can be great for both Council & individuals Onus needs to be on the individual Need the right person to run the programme Be open & honest Have a thorough selection process Understand what you are looking for/wanting to achieve Don’t bite off more than you can chew Commitment and encouragement – two keys to success
FNDC 2004/05 CADETS Front Rebecca Procter Library, Kerikeri Back (left to right) Fern Community Services, Kaikohe Yvonne Information Centre, Kaitaia Tom Monitoring, Kaikohe Serena Resigned Marlene Environmental Services, Kaitaia Josh Roading, Kaikohe
THE FUTURE Working on our 2005/06 programme All four Councils have committed Approaching other businesses – joint programme Second area for Youth Transition Service
Presentation from Tom Brough Monitoring Cadet THE ‘REASON’ Presentation from Tom Brough Monitoring Cadet
Thank you for your time. We are happy to answer any questions or assist you with development of your own programme.