Kotahitanga, Partnering with business and industry – opportunities to partner with us

Expansion of Mana in Mahi programme

Mana in Mahi – Strength in Work is being expanded with funding received in this year’s Budget to make the programme available to more young people and employers.

The programme helps people, particularly 18 to 24-year olds, to find and stay in work while gaining industry recognised qualifications. Employers can get funding and support to recruit, train and retain young people. This can help employers develop skilled, knowledgeable young workers and build their business.

Since Mana in Mahi was launched in August 2018, over 90 employers have taken on more than 150 young people. Most are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

Budget funding of $49m over four years will enable a further 1,850 young people to be placed into employment and training opportunities, bringing the total number supported under Mana in Mahi to 2,000.

As part of the initial phase MSD engaged with young people and employers, to gain a clear understanding of what they need for the programme to be successful.

The programme will be developed to better meet the needs of young people and employers, building on what has been learnt since it was launched.

Working with large businesses and industry associations

We work closely with large businesses and industry associations to help fill vacancies and provide them with a customised recruitment service.

We want employers to be able to hire employees with the right skills when they are needed, so we form partnerships with industries and employers to:

• minimise skill and labour shortages
• maximise job and career opportunities.

We form industry partnerships with:

• large companies
• national industry associations
• large retail chains.

We currently have partnerships in building and construction, such as Fletcher Building and Downer, bus and coach driving (e.g. Ritchie's Transport), civil construction, contact centres, hospitality (e.g. AccorHotels), meat processing, office administration, plumbing and drainlaying, retail, roofing, shearing, truck driving, warehousing and logistics.

How we can help

Employers will be provided with a dedicated account manager who will work with you to:

• learn about your recruitment and workforce needs
• help tailor a recruitment strategy that works best for your business or industry
• provide advice on products and services to meet your needs, for example:
  • employment training programmes
  • seasonal strategies
• provide a single point of contact.

If you'd like to partner with us or find out more:

Call our Employer Line on 0800 778 008.