Young people giving it their max

BY KRIS DANDO

Five local young people are gaining valuable new skills this year as part of an employment programme sponsored by the Government.

The Community Max scheme, launched last August, targets unskilled 16 to 24-year-olds who have little or no qualifications.

There is $40 million of funding to support up to 3000 places nationwide on community projects  wages are subsidised for 30 hours a week for 26 weeks and there is a training component of up to $1250 per person.

For every four workers Community Max provides funds for a supervisor.

Pete Sullivan, from Porirua City Council's parks and reserves department, says the four teenagers in his work crew  Ashton Tresidder, Miracle Simomua, Johnny Tuimalo and Sam Hefferen  are great workers. They started in Bothamley Park on January 18 and from Monday to Thursday every week they clear litter, scrub, fell trees, and will eventually carry out replanting, weed control and walkway maintenance.

"They're keen and they just turn up and get cranking. There's a perception that unemployed people can't be bothered but these guys haven't shown any of that. This is opening up new avenues for them for the future."

After six months the young men will be certified to apply commercial pesticides in public places, use a chainsaw for ground cuts, undertake first aid in the workplace and be able to safely use a weed-eater. They will also have upgraded their drivers' licenses.

The group agreed it was a hard day's work, but they enjoy it and it feels better than being on the dole.

"It's cool getting comments from the public, saying we're doing a good job," Sam says.

Helen Mamoko is the fifth member of the local group, working in Porirua Library. She is processing a backlog of books for the new junior library collection involving sorting, stamping, covering, taping, labelling and shelving. PCC chief executive Roger Blakeley says the five will be working with the council for the next six months. They are enthusiastic and willing, and their work will benefit the community.

"[It] has enabled council to bring forward its Bothamley Park restoration project for which $839,000 [has been set aside] over 10 years. The Community Max subsidy saves council funding while giving local unemployed young people the opportunity to experience practical work and gain nationally recognised qualifications."

- Kapi-Mana News