Central Otago Youth Employment Programme (COYEP)

At Wakatipu High School, we believe all students should have the opportunity to learn and experience success in education. For some students, doing this in the mainstream system can be more challenging and therefore we are always looking at ways that we can support ALL students to achieve their best qualification possible and leave school on a pathway that they are passionate about. 

This year we have started the ‘Central Otago Youth Employment Programme’ (COYEP), an initiative that was piloted in Cromwell and Dunstan High School, that has successfully brought the school and the community together to support students into meaningful career pathways. We know how important it is to have our teenagers engaged in education for as long as possible and through the support of employers throughout the basin, we believe we can make a real difference for students and therefore the community as a whole. 

COYEP offers an opportunity to bring the student, their whānau, the school and employers together in a partnership to plan for the student’s future learning pathway. The programme is targeted at students between the ages of 13-16 years who require something a little different within the education system. The  model allows for flexibility for each student and involves a weekly timetable that can include mainstream classes, industry based learning, Trades Academy (pre-apprenticeship) and work placements. The initiative is about reigniting students' interests in learning through an individual plan that enables them to work towards their qualifications and future aspirations.

Click here for a great article on how this programme has been successful for Cromwell and Dunstan students.

We’re really keen to engage with employers who may be able to offer work placements for our COYEP students, as the hands-on experience is often the critical part in getting students’ engaged and excited about their programme. Together we work out how much time is appropriate, which could be from a couple of hours to several days per week. We have students ready and willing to try out a number of different job opportunities in areas ranging from construction and civil engineering, to plumbing, automotive and hospitality.

If you are an employer who could be interested in supporting this programme please contact Lea (llawniczak@wakatipu.school.nz or 02102451381 - she'd love to hear from you!