Youth voice – Helping young people step into work

Lately, I have noticed many Coast teenagers reaching out online, asking if anyone knows of part-time work. They are keen, motivated and ready to learn, but without experience, that first opportunity can feel like a closed door. It is a tough place to be, especially at an age when confidence is still being built.

Youth employment is about much more than earning a pay packet. Those early jobs, whether paid or voluntary, are often where our young people first learn how to turn up on time, communicate with adults, take responsibility and work as part of a team. These experiences shape how they see themselves and their place in the community.

What is sometimes overlooked is that employing young people is a two-way benefit.

For rangatahi, work builds confidence, resilience and real-world skills that school alone cannot always teach. It helps them understand accountability, money, teamwork and pride in doing a job properly. It also gives them the chance to connect with people outside their immediate circles, which builds independence and social confidence.

For households, clubs and businesses, young people bring energy, enthusiasm and fresh perspective. With guidance and patience, they can grow into reliable team members and, in many cases, future staff. Offering that first opportunity is not charity, it is an investment in our future workforce and our community.

Work does not have to start with big roles or long hours. Small jobs matter. Lawn mowing, babysitting, dog walking, helping with cleaning, weekend shifts, trial periods and seasonal work all provide valuable stepping stones. These jobs teach young people how work actually works, from showing up on time to following instructions and taking pride in what they do.

Community organisations are also a powerful pathway. Surf clubs that employ their own youth in cafés, sports clubs that train and pay young referees and umpires, and organisations that offer short courses before paid work are all great examples. My daughter referees junior and senior touch rugby. She was trained, supported and paid per match, and gained confidence refereeing players older than herself. It might not sound like much, but it makes a real difference, especially when referees are hard to find.

I have also had senior students from the local college ask to volunteer and spend time around coaching environments simply because they want to learn, observe and grow. They want to be around positive role models and see what is possible. It does not take much from us as adults to support that, just time, listening and a willingness to guide.

I love working with young people. Once you take the time to really get to know them, they share their aspirations, their worries and their hopes for the future. Often, all they need is one person to say, “Yes, I will give you a chance.”

Helping our young people today helps shape the workers, leaders and parents of tomorrow. When we create opportunities, big or small, we strengthen our community and show our rangatahi that they belong and that their contribution matters.