When schools and businesses join forces to create opportunities for young people, something truly remarkable happens. It’s like mixing the best of both worlds – education and real-life experience – to shape a future that benefits everyone involved.
Peter Jones, the Principal of Manurewa High on Browns Road, is all about giving students a chance to shine beyond the classroom. “It’s our duty to provide positive career pathways for our young people. If we do that, everybody benefits – businesses, society, and New Zealand Inc.”
“We need to support youth in those first two years after secondary school; there’s data that proves that this is when young people are most vulnerable.” Jones knows there’s a gap between what schools teach and what employers need.
He has honed in on the fact that businesses need to have an input on the curriculum to set up students for success in the future. “We need to be far more integrated and collaborative, co-designing curriculum in students’ last couple of years at school, particularly aligned with career pathways.”
“Our curriculum is flexible and can be geared towards need – it’s not the traditional school experience you and I experienced. For example, numeracy and literacy are contextualized in terms of what they need in the workplace. We package our trades programs to align with the pathway they’re on – we offer Site Safe, First Aid, Driver Licenses, and qualifications that are relevant to the employment pathway, such as Working from Heights.”
The trade academy that started at Manurewa High is a success story. The academy started small with just 40 spots. Fast forward to today, and there are 645 places for high school students across South Auckland. Their programs include construction, logistics, engineering, hospitality, and IT; they even have a logistics programme with Mainfreight.
Jones also highlights Wiri business, Ross’s Plumbing, who have been a valuable local partner. They provide students with invaluable work experience and, in return, have a pipeline of potential apprentices. “We don’t expect job guarantees for our students; we have the view that work experience is valuable as it helps prepare students for making that next step – a successful next step. Businesses build a relationship with those young people and see if they would be a good fit for their business.”
But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about connections. Youth benefit from business mentors, and Jones has seen the importance of the role they play. “Their voice is powerful, and that support is invaluable. It helps students understand that when they do step out, they’re not on their own.”
With many students living in the Wiri/Manurewa area, there is the real possibility that many students may end up as future employees in the business district. With the wide range of industries in Wiri, there is a great diversity of the types of roles that make up these businesses. “I’d love to learn more about the range of pathways available in Wiri, and not just trades and apprenticeships – we want our students to aim high and find opportunities to learn more about the skills they have and what they are good at.”
“One real benefit of creating a business community network directly connected within schools is that you open their eyes to the possibilities.”
More businesses are becoming aware of their social responsibilities as corporate citizens – to train youth and to hire locally. However, businesses need to have the right attitude and mindset to be able to work with youth. “It’s not always an easy journey, but it’s certainly a worthwhile one. There’s so much awesome local talent on your doorstep, but you need to be prepared to invest in them if you’re going to make it happen in the way you want.”
“You’re not working with the finished product; you’re playing a vital role by helping students on their journey in the workplace.”
“When you’ve got a school and a business that come together with that positive mindset, that’s when the magic can happen,” says Jones.
The Wiri Business Association is keen to support local schools like Manurewa High School to pair up with Wiri businesses. If empowering local youth is something you would like to explore further, feel free to contact Gary@wiribiz.org.nz or call Gary on 027 496 6283.