As a cross sector, business led initiative, Licence to Work (LTW) is intended to respond to business and industry concerns that young people may not be developing the employability skills they need to succeed in the workplace. It is particularly beneficial for those transitioning directly to the workforce from school or training (15-24 years), and people returning to work. This programme is delivered in local schools by school-based facilitators as well as an independent external facilitator. 

Young people learn how to become work ready by participating in 18 hours of employability and work readiness sessions, completing 10-20 hours voluntary work, and at least 80 hours with local employers. There is also an explicit focus on ‘soft skills’, such as the importance of a positive attitude, communication, problem solving, decision making, self-motivation and resilience.

The Todd Foundation funded Trust Tairāwhiti under our place-based Youth 2 Employment programme and the below story/case study shares more about their work, the outcomes and learnings observed from our years of partnership.