June 17, 2020
Mana in Mahi proves worth in jobs tool kit
The Government is putting another $30.3 million into the Mana in Mahi scheme and expanding it to include not just rangatahi but workers of all ages who may need retraining because of COVID-19.
Employment Minister Willie Jackson says the programme was designed to help those who struggle to get a solid foothold in the job market, and that struggle could get tougher as employers look to cut costs post-COVID.
The extra funding from Budget 2020 will be used to extend the programme from 12 months up to 24 months, increase the wage subsidy rate to up to $16,000 for the first year and up to $8,000 for the second year, pay for industry training course fees, and pay for extra education support, such as literacy and numeracy training.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says more than 750 young people have taken part in the first two phases of Mana in Mahi.
She says the scheme works in partnership with employers to understand industry needs.
She says supporting young people to realise their potential will be key to New Zealand's recovery phase.
Mana in Mahi is part of the Government's wider Apprenticeship Support Programme designed to keep first and second year apprentices connected to work, connected to training and connected to their communities while New Zealand recovers from the impact of COVID-19.
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