Southland Youth Futures

Southland Youth Futures Empowering youth to discover the diversity of training & career opportunities available in Southland

The programme is delivered by Great South, Southland’s regional development agency. With a focus on preparing students for the work force through the Southland Work Ready Passport, we deliver worksite tours, motivational and educational speakers, along with events that assist students to secure employment. We support a range of local Employer Excellence Partners to develop a greater understanding of working with young people and how businesses can generate interest in their industries where there are identified labour and skills shortages. Our page is a hub for us to bring students and whanau along on this journey and encourage conversations and provide resources for families to support each other in seeking out their future career.

Celebrating Southland's Vocational Achievers!What a privilege to celebrate Southland's vocational achievers at the Great...
23/09/2026

Celebrating Southland's Vocational Achievers!

What a privilege to celebrate Southland's vocational achievers at the Great South Vocational Excellence Awards yesterday. We had the opportunity to meet an incredible group of young people nominated by their schools for demonstrating excellence in vocational education.

A special congratulations to Grand Runner-Up Lara Heiss from Blue Mountain College and Grand Winner Kayden Scott from Southland Boys' High School. Their awards of $1,000 and $3,000 respectively will support their vocational journeys beyond school.

A big thank you to NZAS for sponsoring the NZAS Highly Commended Awards, recognising six outstanding students from across the region. We also acknowledge the selection panel and contributing employers for their support and commitment to celebrating vocational excellence in Southland.

To all nominees and award recipients, you should be incredibly proud of your achievements. We can't wait to see where your pathways take you and the positive impact you'll make in your communities and beyond.

Southland Boys' High School Malloch McClean +MORE HW Richardson Group Southern Institute of Technology Community Trust South Rent South Ltd PowerNet

Thanks, Te Anau! It was great to see local businesses and job seekers come together at the Te Anau Job Fair. With employ...
16/09/2026

Thanks, Te Anau!

It was great to see local businesses and job seekers come together at the Te Anau Job Fair. With employers looking for staff for the summer season and beyond, there were some great conversations and opportunities shared throughout the day.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event. We hope some valuable connections were made and wish all job seekers the very best in their employment journey.

Distinction Luxmore Hotel Great South Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas RealNZ Fiordland Jet@Fiordland Lobster@Woodstone Farm Ranch Fiordland Cinema FreshChoice Te Anau

Te Anau Job Fair – Join Us!Looking for a summer job or more? Come along to the FREE Te Anau Summer Job Fair and meet loc...
31/08/2026

Te Anau Job Fair – Join Us!

Looking for a summer job or more?

Come along to the FREE Te Anau Summer Job Fair and meet local employers looking to hire.

Distinction Lakefront, 64 Lakefront Drive
Thursday, 10 September
2pm - 4pm

For more information please contact Krista – [email protected] or call 021 404 113

What an incredible CareerFest!With an amazing 2,850 visitors through the doors, the event was buzzing with energy, inspi...
07/08/2026

What an incredible CareerFest!

With an amazing 2,850 visitors through the doors, the event was buzzing with energy, inspiration, and opportunity. A huge thank you to our fantastic exhibitors and all the amazing visitors who made the day such a success.

We loved seeing so many people exploring future pathways and making valuable connections. Bring on next year! 🎉

The Work Ready Passport wrapped up at Mārūawai College this week! A huge thank you to the awesome employers who supporte...
07/08/2026

The Work Ready Passport wrapped up at Mārūawai College this week!

A huge thank you to the awesome employers who supported our final session by conducting mock interviews and helping students build confidence for the world of work.

We've loved delivering the programme at Mārūawai College and wish all students the very best for wherever their future leads them.

Malloch McClean +MORE Harrex Group MLT - What's On? Connected Eastern Southland Heartland Services

One week to go! Nominations for the Great South Vocational Excellence Awards close on Thursday 6 August. These awards ce...
31/07/2026

One week to go!

Nominations for the Great South Vocational Excellence Awards close on Thursday 6 August.

These awards celebrate Southland students who are excelling through vocational pathways such as Gateway, Trades Academy, workplace learning, and industry training.

Do you know a student who:
✅ Turns up and gives it their all?
✅ Has impressed an employer?
✅ Has shown real growth, commitment and professionalism?
✅ Is building their future through hands-on learning?

Students can't apply directly. Nominations are made through their school, so if this sounds like someone you know, now is a great time to chat with your school's careers advisor about the awards.

The Vocational Excellence Awards are shining a spotlight on the talented young people helping build Southland's future workforce, are made possible through the support of local industry partners and sponsors.

A huge thank you to ILT for supporting our awesome Future Fit students on their graduation day! Students took part in fu...
08/07/2026

A huge thank you to ILT for supporting our awesome Future Fit students on their graduation day!

Students took part in fun challenges like mocktail making and waitressing activities, building valuable skills and confidence along the way.

A special thanks to Mayor Rob for presenting the certificates and for his ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for Southland's young people.

Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is about more than finding employment, it's about helping young people discover opportunities and create positive futures.

Rob Scott - Mayor of Southland Mayors Taskforce for Jobs NZ ILT

Connecting Classrooms to Careers We were lucky to have four fantastic local employers join Mrs Jacksons Year 12 class at...
01/07/2026

Connecting Classrooms to Careers

We were lucky to have four fantastic local employers join Mrs Jacksons Year 12 class at James Hargest College for a fun round of “Guess My Job,” with students putting their detective skills to the test to figure out what each employer does.

Students then broke into groups to learn more about roles available right here in our community. From emergency services to hands-on and specialized roles; every role plays a vital part in keeping our communities running strong.

A great mix of fun, curiosity, and real-world learning. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!

VetSouth Rio Tinto Fire and Emergency NZ KiwiRail James Hargest College Great South

How privileged were we to host Olympic rowing champion Rob Waddell during his recent visit to Southland!Rob spent time w...
21/06/2026

How privileged were we to host Olympic rowing champion Rob Waddell during his recent visit to Southland!

Rob spent time with leadership and sports students at both James Hargest College and Southland Boys’ High School, generously sharing his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His message was a powerful reminder that leadership, teamwork, excellence, and resilience aren’t just for sport; they are qualities that can be applied to whatever path we choose in life.

A huge thank you to Rob for inspiring our rangatahi and reinforcing what’s possible with hard work, dedication and belief.

Great South James Hargest College Southland Boys' High School

Today we celebrated the 6th annual Girls in Trades 🔧👷‍♀️ - inspiring young women to explore pathways in the trades.It wa...
28/05/2026

Today we celebrated the 6th annual Girls in Trades 🔧👷‍♀️ - inspiring young women to explore pathways in the trades.

It was an epic day bringing together students, industry, and role models, full of energy, connection, and hands-on learning. From operating diggers and forklifts to using tools and drills, students stepped up, gave it a go, and discovered new possibilities for their futures.

A huge thank you to all the employers, tradies, educators, and supporters who shared their time, skills, and enthusiasm to make the day such a success. Events like this don’t happen without you, and they’re helping shape a strong, diverse future workforce for Southland.

PowerNet, HW Richardson Group, Civil Contractors New Zealand, Skills Trades Training, Makita New Zealand, Southern Group Training Trust, New Zealand's Aluminium Smelter, Southern Institute of Technology, Masterlink, MITO New Zealand, SouthRoads, Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

Address

143 Spey Street
Invercargill
9810

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+6432111400

Website

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