The Pacific Workforce Development Pilot Cadet Programme is a pilot initiative commencing in
2024 with support from the Hynds Foundation and other funders including the
government.
The focus region for the pilot is Counties Manukau. Insights from the pilot will inform its
rollout to other regions.
The initiative is designed to nurture and build a workforce that is representative of the
communities the Counties Manukau region serves. It has a focus on Pacifica
youth.
Funding coordinator Middlemore Foundation reports that Pacifica people constitute only
6.7% of the healthcare workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet they are
significantly overrepresented in negative health statistics and outcomes.
Middlemore Hospital will be the home for the pilot, which will investigate the
feasibility of students accessing valuable paid work experience while
completing the final year of the Health Science Academy or the first year of
studying Health Science at any Auckland tertiary institution. The pilot will
offer opportunities for Pacific students to earn money while experiencing
the healthcare system and being supported by experienced staff and
cultural mentors across a variety of departments.
In the short-term, by providing paid medical work experience and mentorship to
students pursuing healthcare education, the initiative directly tackles the
financial barriers that often impede their academic journey. This vital support
not only fosters an environment where students can focus on their studies
without the burden of financial strain but also offers them an invaluable
opportunity to gain firsthand experience within the healthcare system.
The pilot will be managed and designed by the Middlemore Hospital Workforce team. On
completion of the pilot the qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered will
then inform a business case that will be presented to Te Whatu Ora/Health New
Zealand, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry
for Business, Innovation and Enterprise and the Philanthropic Sector for
long-term funding consideration.
At Manurewa High School, Hynds Foundation helped to establish the Pathway to
Employment programme with Hynds and Mainfreight in 2020. The model enables
Year 13 students to stay in school, achieve qualifications, and gain access to
paid work experience. Through our experience with this programme, we
acknowledge the value of localised solutions that support young people access
careers they are passionate about, while serving their communities and
families.