Teenagers' time to shine during festive season
Jan 06, 2023
NEW ZEALAND’s 315,000 working-age teenagers and high school leavers are being urged to take a paid hospitality job over summer, earning up to $5,400 for eight weeks work, to learn vital skills that will set themselves up for their careers.
Youth unemployment rates in New Zealand are three times the national average, at more than 12%.
As the nation’s $10.7 billion hospitality sector works to recover from two years of lockdowns, 30,000 hospitality jobs ae now available, which is almost double the size of the entire New Zealand Defence Force.
“Many Year 12 students are currently enjoying a well-earned ‘schoolies’ celebration, but once that is finished they should rush to take a summer job and set themselves up for university,” Barcats New Zealand CEO Jeffrey Williams said.
“New Zealand teenagers can earn up to $5,400 for an average eight-week summer job, which will provide the financial buffer they need to concentrate on their university studies in 2023.
“The same goes for their younger brothers and sisters, who are still at school. It’s never too early to get your first job in hospitality, and learn amazing life skills that will set you up for a successful career.”
Teenage jobs teach independence and responsibility, provide a pathway to future employment opportunities and income security, instill financial literacy, encourage problem solving, create new relationships outside of school, inspire self-discovery, and create a sense of purpose.
Successful people who started their careers as teenagers in hospitality include former US President Barack Obama, billionaires Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos, actors Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt and singers Lady Gaga, Pink and Harry Styles.
“With school almost out for the year, and future uni students facing soaring debts, now is the time for New Zealand’s 315,000 working-age teenagers to get a paying job over summer,” Mr Williams said.
“Periods of inactivity and unemployment in early adulthood, have been shown to have lasting negative effects on future employment prospects and we know young people worked in those industries, such as hospitality and retail, that were hit hardest by the pandemic.
“We want our kids to get their confidence back, learn some news skills, and put some money in the bank while they’re at it.”
While there is no minimum age for employment in NZ, those under 16-years-of-age cannot work before 6am, or after 10pm, and are legally required to attend school.
Of those New Zealanders aged 15-19, 20,500 are actively looking for a job but can’t find one, while a further 143,300 are at school or university, and are not seeking paid work.
On the other hand, 133,900 Kiwis of the same age already have a job, either full-time or part-time, even if they are studying.
Regional Commissioner for Social Development (Auckland Central/East/Tamaki Makaurau), Mark Goldsmith, said the NZ Government valued its partnership with Barcats and acknowledged the ‘amazing mahi’ it does in the hospitality industry.
“Barcats provides invaluable support to an industry recovering from the lockdowns of COVID-19 and experiencing a high demand on their workforce,” he said.
“This is a perfect time and opportunity for us to work together and support young Kiwis towards employment that will help shape their future.”
Mr Williams said the COVID pandemic took a huge toll, particularly on those under 25 years old, with surveys showing the lockdowns really had a negative impact on the youths of New Zealand.
“Now we’re approaching the festive season, we want young people to get out and about, sign-up for training and secure a job that can provide lifelong skills,” he said.
Table 1: Estimated employment opportunities for teenagers in New Zealand.
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NB: All dollars are NZD with minimum wage details sourced via Employment New Zealand.
Table 2: Top 5 benefits of a summer job.
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Table 3: Successful people who worked as teenagers.
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CASE STUDIES: Barcats has case studies of New Zealand teens working in the hospitality industry.
VNR: A VNR is available for television networks, featuring overlay and interviews with Australian high school students who have recently taken part in the Barcats Job Ready and Employment Program.
About Barcats
Barcats is a digital platform connecting hospitality venues with quality staff and jobseekers with the right training and support for their ideal role.
Launched in June 2017, it is one of the fastest growing hospitality networks across New Zealand and Australia and is well positioned to continue supporting and connecting the hospitality community, one job at a time.
It provides a range of training for mature workers, those looking to enter the industry, upskilling, management and more.
With more than 100,000 members of staff and close to 30,000 venues hooked up to the platform, Barcats is uniquely positioned to provide industry insights.
To start your hospitality job search, or training, visit: www.barcats.co.nz
Facebook: Barcats.co.nz
Instagram: @barcats_community
