Te Puni Kōkiri cadetships aren’t just successfully supporting Māori into jobs: they’re keeping them there.

Over the past three years 84% of cadets are still employed, and almost 12% have moved into further education.

“What we now know is most cadets have remained in the workforce well past the initial six month programme. This is brilliant news, which shows these cadetships are working,” said Minister of Māori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples.

“We established these in 2009 to provide Māori new to the workforce, or with low qualifications, the opportunity to gain work experience, formal qualifications and industry networks to enhance their employment outcomes.”

Results indicate 71% of the first intake of cadets remained in employment while 20% went on to further training and of the 2011-2012 intake, 98% of cadets remained in employment.

The uptake of cadetships over the last four years has gradually increased with 133 participants in 2011-2012, almost double the numbers from the first 2009 intake. As demand has risen, more placements have been made available targeting the energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors as key growth industries in Aotearoa and globally.

Dr Sharples said even though the programme is still in its infancy, early results tell us that cadetships are a viable means of supporting our people into employment.

“With Māori unemployment currently sitting at 14.8% - more than double that of the rest of New Zealand - it is vital we have programmes that address this disparity.”

Since 2009 Te Puni Kōkiri has engaged employers in growth industries to recruit, train, mentor and provide at least six months paid employment to Māori cadets. Te Puni Kōkiri provides funding to support the cadet’s employment and development.