about youth service
youth service supports taiohi to get the education they need for bright, independent futures
how it works
Our national workforce of youth coaches are the heart of Youth Service. Employed by a mix of community organisations, iwi/Māori, private training institutions and two Work and Income In-House sites, these youth coaches work with three target groups:
- Youth Payment, for young people aged 16 or 17 who can’t live with their parents or guardians
- Young Parent Payment, for young people aged 16–19 who are the main caregiver for a child, and
- The NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) service, for 16–17 year olds who are either not in education, training or employment, or are at risk of dropping out.
Our focus is on supporting our taiohi into education, training and work-based learning – but we do much more. Our youth coaches provide taiohi with intensive, tailored support to identify their goals and find the best path to reach them.
Each youth coach works with around 20 taiohi. This gives them the time to get to know the taiohi and their whānau; to understand their unique qualities, strengths and goals, and to tailor realistic plans that move them towards independence.
Youth coaches support their taiohi in the ways they most need it – whether that means giving practical help with housing issues, prepare for job interviews or connecting our taiohi with their local support groups. Group work, fun activities, workshops and trips complement one-on-one mentoring.