Govt launches new online employment resource for young people

The Government has released a new online resource designed to help young people enter the workforce.

The Employability Skills Framework clearly sets out the key behaviours, attitudes and personal qualities employers say are essential for getting and keeping a job.

"Getting the job and career you want means having the right attributes and behaviours to accompany your qualifications and educational achievements," says Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith.

"An example of this is the need for resilience in the rapidly changing world of work. Employees need to be able to handle challenges and setbacks in the workplace and seek the support they need to grow," he explains.

Goldsmith says the framework was designed by representatives from industry, education and government.

"It outlines the employability skills and competencies that help young people adapt to life in the workforce. It complements the National Curriculum for schools, and has been user-tested with groups of employers, educators and secondary students," he explains.

Associate Education Minister Louise Upston says the guide is a great resource for young people, teachers, family and whanau.

"It will help young people get work-ready," she says.

"The new framework has been developed to complement other resources, such as those Careers NZ makes available on its website to help young people moving from study into the workforce, and the 2017 Occupation Outlook," explains Upston.

"The new framework is a great example of successful collaboration. The Pathways Advisory Group, which developed the guide, encompasses outlooks and experience from several sectors, and I am grateful to all those who contributed," adds Goldsmith.