Meet Our Youth Guarantee Students

Created specifically for people aged 16 to 24 the Youth Guarantee programme provides opportunity for new direction and the confidence to succeed.

Lilyrose Anderson – Ngāti Manawa

New Zealand Certificate in Construction (Level 3)

I chose to study Level 3 Construction because I have always wanted to buy run down homes and flip them, selling them for a profit. I love the fact something can be brought back to life, characterising a house to any style wanted.

I enjoy undertaking new tasks every day such as foundation, wall framing, exterior and cladding. There are three other girls in my cohort and we are treated like one of the boys – they always look after me – like I’m one of them. 

I have found it challenging being a student with my finances. Especially during the lock down period. I was so surprised during the lockdown period when I received a Pak n Save voucher for food. I couldn’t be more grateful for the help and support from all the wonderful Youth Guarantee staff during such a financially unstable time in my life. 

Under Youth Guarantee funding I have received transport assistance in the form of MTA vouchers as a means of getting into campus. The fund also helped pay for my tools, which were expensive. Without these I could not have completed all my practical components of the course. I use them every day.  

My construction tutors have boosted my confidence, teaching me important learning skills that will help me with my future goals. I like that they give all students individualised attention and not letting anyone fall behind. 

Connor Douch 

New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

I didn’t enjoy secondary school and did nothing for a year.  It wasn’t until a friend of mine signed up for the course and showed it to me. It was probably the biggest opportunity I'd ever seen. It’s always been a dream of mine to become an automotive mechanic. So, I applied, thinking, it will give me enough skills to get a good job, instead of being on the benefit.

I enjoy the atmosphere at Toi Ohomai.  I was hesitant to come because I thought it would be like school, but it's so much better.  My tutors are good fellas – they’re nice and don’t let us get away with stuff – they treat me like I’m employed. It doesn’t feel like a class room environment. It's cool that I get to work on cars. I’ve learnt a lot from our tutors by doing (on the job activities) rather than just watching.

I’ve been so lucky to be on Youth Guarantee. I didn’t know much about it. The ladies in Youth Guarantee are so supportive and friendly.

It's been such a huge help. I wouldn’t be able to study if I didn’t get the extra benefits this fund gives me.  

The travel assistance gives me the ability to travel to my course. I received assistance to help me purchase my overalls and boots. Not to mention during lockdown I also received a food voucher so I could buy food for my family, which felt mean, because it wasn’t just helping me but those I care about and live with. We were all feeling the pressure. 

It’s nice to know there’s people that care for me as a student and this helps me want to succeed and they encourage me to get into it and do my best.

Signing up for the course is probably the best thing I've done, and when I’m a qualified mechanic, I can look back and say, ‘Yeah, Toi Ohomai is where it all went right.’ 

Cole Tutbury – Whakatōhea

New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 3)

I last attended Western Heights High School.

I wanted to study Level 3 Electrical Engineering because I find it extremely interesting. Electrical work is evolving every day. With new horizons appearing, we need more trade people and Toi Ohomai is definitely the place I want to be.

The most enjoyable parts of my studies are the hands-on work. We work on the charity house and learn real world work, like electrical planning and how to wire a house safely and efficiently. We also installed flush boxes (outlets) and light switches.

Youth Guarantee has helped me with a large sum of things, such as paying for my tools needed for my course and other pastoral care activities, which support me with my learning.  

They also funded my restricted licence test and helped with travel assistance so I could get myself to my course every day. I have been well looked after by the Youth Guarantee staff who are so approachable and caring. My tutors have also been a huge support network and guided me with my learning journey.  
 

Find out about Youth Guarantee eligibility and how to apply.