Co-designed, rangatahi-focused Youth Guarantee programme achieves perfect retention rate

A student-centred approach to pastoral care, learning and individual support is helping rangatahi succeed.

Their achievements were celebrated at special completion lunches held at both Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses on 28-29 October, hosted by the Youth Guarantee and Scholarships teams.

The celebrations not only recognised those who successfully completed their programmes, but also acknowledged the kaimahi ‘staff’ whose collective efforts have helped ākonga overcome challenges and stay engaged in education.

A key highlight this semester has been the programme’s retention rate, with all 32 scholars who started the semester remaining in the programme.

Student Support and Scholarships Coordinator Duzan Castellanos says this achievement reflects a deliberate shift towards a more student-centred approach, giving rangatahi a greater voice in shaping their learning experience and the support they receive.

“This semester we implemented several new initiatives focused on increasing student voice and engagement within the Youth Guarantee programme,” Duzan says.

“We started by surveying our scholars and having conversations with them about the activities they would like to participate in, the topics they wanted to learn more about, and even the staff they would like us to invite to our monthly lunches.”

Youth Guarantee rangatahi from Waitākere Campus celebrated successfully completing their programme this semester.

Previously, activities were largely organised around what was available and practical to deliver. This year, the team made a conscious effort to involve learners in the planning process, beginning with induction and continuing throughout their studies.

By gathering information about students’ expectations, interests, study programmes and preferred activities, the Youth Guarantee team has been able to tailor its support and respond more effectively to individual needs.

The approach has also helped identify areas where ākonga wanted additional guidance, particularly employment opportunities, job applications and pathways into further study.

The team has strengthened its collaboration with Career Advisors and increased opportunities for ākonga to explore their future education and employment options.

Level 3 Carpentry ākonga Maxim Bolintineanu says the programme has provided a direct pathway into the trades.

Having left Avondale College at the end of Year 11, Maxim was keen to develop the skills needed to follow in his father’s footsteps as a builder.

Thanks to the Youth Guarantee programme, he completed his carpentry course and is already on the right path to realise his dream.

Student Support and Scholarships Coordinator Duzan Castellanos

“I’ve been studying carpentry this year and found a job right away so I’m planning to do my apprenticeship through it,” Maxim says.

The hands-on nature of the programme has helped develop practical skills, including learning how to use different tools and apply construction techniques.

The support provided through Youth Guarantee has been just as important and helped him stay engaged with study.

Living some distance from campus, the travel allowance helped remove a significant financial barrier to attending classes, while regular contact with programme kaimahi provided the necessary motivation and reassurance to keep turning up.

“Just having someone to see every week, signing in, it kind of boosts you and shows you that there are people watching out for you and you’re not on your own,” Maxim says.

There were challenging periods during the year when continuing his studies was uncertain, but having someone to talk to helped him work through those difficulties.

“I reckon if I didn’t have the support I got, I would have not had enough drive to show up every morning on time and all that. Getting that support kind of drove me to want to be here.”

L-R: Byron Iosia, student Mohammad Sarwar and Duzan Castellanos.

Student Mohammad Sarwar says Youth Guarantee provided an opportunity to explore his interests, develop essential academic and digital skills, and gain confidence in a future direction.

Originally from Afghanistan, Mohammad arrived in New Zealand with his family five years ago. While his parents initially hoped he would pursue dentistry or a career in the health sector, he chose to follow his own interests and study business.

Through the programme, developing skills in business, mathematics, English, computing and study techniques, while also building friendships and connections with other learners.

“It’s been a really good journey and I really enjoyed it. I found a lot of friends and found a lot of things I want to do,” Mohammad says.

His growing interest in business has helped him identify a potential career direction in logistics, and consider continuing his studies with us next year.

The supportive teaching environment and diversity of the MIT and Unitec community has also contributed to this positive experience.

“I feel more confident now, my teachers were all very supportive.”

Fellow student Tristan Otte says the programme has provided a fresh opportunity to re-engage with education after finding that online study was not working for him.

Having enrolled in a bridging programme this semester, he has developed new knowledge in computing, business, mathematics and English.

The support available through Youth Guarantee, including travel assistance and free lunches, made a positive difference, particularly for travelling to campus from Kumeū.

“I think the Youth Guarantee programme is great. The support is really excellent.”

With the confidence and skills gained through study, Tristan is now considering employment and further study options for next year.

Duzan says one of the most significant outcomes of the stronger student relationships has been the ability to identify challenges early and provide timely support before they affect learners’ participation and progress.

Increased participation in activities, including weekly signing sessions, has given the team more regular opportunities to check in with scholars, understand their circumstances and help them stay on track.

The trust developed between learners and programme staff has made it easier for students to ask for help and work through difficult situations.

Duzan emphasises that the programme’s success is not the work of one team alone, but the result of collaboration with other kaimahi and services.

“The Youth Guarantee programme is strongest when it operates as a collaborative effort, and we have received tremendous support from staff right across the institution.”

To recognise these contributions, the completion celebrations also introduced a new Youth Guarantee Champions initiative, acknowledging kaimahi who have made an exceptional contribution to supporting learners.

This year’s recipients were Adam Nee from Student Advocacy; Caroline Leader from Bridging and Supported Learning; Clare Goodwin; Shama Te Rangi from Trades; and Ashutosh Basnyat (Ash) from Access for Success, and Senior Communications Partner Peter Rees, for behind-the-scenes support and ongoing promotion of the programme.

Student Support and Scholarships Advisor Byron Iosia also acknowledged the initiative and commitment Duzan has brought to the programme.

“The retention rates and outreach work speak for the marvellous work he keeps producing.”

Duzan also acknowledged the support of leadership colleagues NZ Scholarships & Youth Guarantee Lead Sophie Aleke Fa’avae and Student Support Manager Luke Fleming, whose flexibility, trust and encouragement have helped the team maintain its delivery and introduce new initiatives during a period of significant institutional change.

“We are proud of the outcomes achieved by our scholars and grateful for the collective effort that continues to make the Youth Guarantee programme such a positive and supportive experience for young learners.

“More importantly, we are encouraged by the number of students who are now looking beyond their current programme and planning their next educational and career steps with confidence.”

The following Youth Guarantee scholars were recognised for completing their journey this semester:

Maxim Bolintineanu, Samson Bolintineanu, Oliver Mattson, Logan Richardson, Iris-Rose Makoare, Ryan Greatwood, Mataio Aleke, Blake Dixon, Josh Greatwood, Nevan Rothery, Ashton Farr, Lennox Moir, Valu Filimoehala, Sione Filimoehala, Tristan Otte, Uzziah Wright, Mohammad Sarwar, Love Ieriko-Nanai, Joseph Knight, Shanaira Sundram, Phaye-Skye Rogers, and Joshua Hieatt.