Piki Ake is a 12-month cadetship programme delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
This programme aims to reduce local youth unemployment by providing entry-level roles at Tauranga City Council across a variety of teams. Through this programme, cadets gain valuable skills and experience, supporting them to make positive life and career choices not just for tomorrow, but for their future. "Piki Ake" means "to ascend," reflecting the programme's goal of helping cadets rise to their potential.
How it works
Cadets join Tauranga City Council on a fixed-term basis, 30 hours per week. During their 12 months with us, they receive wrap-around support, including training in both work and life skills. Towards the completion of the programme, we focus on cadets looking towards future sustainable employment opportunities, which may be inside or outside of council. At the completion of the programme, cadets are equipped with more skills, experience, and confidence to set and achieve their own future goals.
Programme goals
The Piki Ake programme strives to:
- Reduce local youth unemployment
- Improve career opportunities for vulnerable young people with limited education and work experience, supporting them to be competitive in the open job market
- Promote community knowledge of local government and a diverse range of careers
- Enable cadets to work locally for at least 12 months and remain in the region.
Benefits
The programme offers numerous benefits for Tauranga City Council, the community, and the cadets, including:
- Supporting the work of council services and delivery
- Enhancing social and economic wellbeing in communities
- Improving employment opportunities and work experiences cadets can personally and professionally develop from
- Being within arms-reach of some great on-staff career mentors, while encouraging cadets to add value to their teams.
Success stories
Council cadets graduate into permanent employment: Our graduates have gained valuable skills and experience that have led them to achieve positive life and career outcomes, benefiting not just themselves but also their families.
Sound like a great initiative?
Recruitment is undertaken via MSD as our partner, so young people interested in this opportunity should speak to their case manager in the first instance.
Read the Piki Ake booklet to learn more.