Employment Support Services
Helping rangatahi build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to move into meaningful work.
Employment support that opens doors
Work provides structure, identity, and belonging. For rangatahi who have faced significant barriers, getting into meaningful employment is often one of the most transformative steps they can take.
Waipuna Youth Services delivers personalised employment support for rangatahi aged 13 to 25, working alongside young people to identify what is getting in the way and build a practical, achievable plan toward work, training, or further education. Our approach is relational and strengths-based. We meet people where they are.
What we do
Our services support rangatahi to understand their strengths and values in their journey towards growth, education and employment.
Skills and work readiness
CV writing, interview preparation, workplace communication, and practical skills employers want.
Education and training pathways
For rangatahi wanting qualifications or skills before entering the workforce.
Driver License Support
Free Licensing support for rangatahi. Work with an experienced driving instructor and receive support with Learner’s and bookings.
Connection to other services
Access to in-house counselling, mental health support, and social work. Because the things that get in the way of work are not always about work.
How our community supports young people into work
Through partnerships with local employers, training providers, and social enterprises, Waipuna helps rangatahi take real steps toward employment. Our driver licence support programme alone has helped hundreds of young people access a critical tool for independence and work.
Talk to us about employment support
Whether you are a rangatahi looking for a pathway into work, a whānau member wanting to help, or an employer interested in supporting young people, we would love to hear from you.
Meet the team
Dan Eastwood
Manager of Community Development – Waipuna
Jay Fraser
Senior Project Worker (CAYAD)
Jay Johnson
Programme and Reintegration Practitioner
Emi Mueller
Programme and Reintegration Practitioner
Paul Yeoman
Senior Practitioner Adventure Therapy
Peter Mueller
Programme and Reintegration Practitioner