Local Business Full of Praise for Closing the Gaps

Local businessman Simon Tutty is full of praise for the Gore District Council’s Closing the Gaps initiative.

Mr Tutty currently has three young men in full-time employment at his business, Beatties Collision Repairs, thanks to the scheme.

Community Empowerment Coordinator Mark McCann said this was the most people placed in one business through Closing the Gaps.

Closing the Gaps is part of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), a partnership which has so far helped 1800+ people across New Zealand into employment.

Since it was launched in January 2020, Closing the Gaps has supported the placement of 128 people in our District, funding 106 of these.

MTFJ began as a community recovery programme in the wake of COVID-19.

It is now a leading example of how community-based employment partnerships between local and central government can provide value to small rural towns such as Gore.

“It’s great to see youth in our District finding productive pathways as they enter adulthood - these are opportunities they may have not otherwise had,” Mr McCann said.

With the apprentice’s now settled into working life after school, Mr Tutty is pleased with how they’re getting on.

“They have been absolutely awesome at getting stuck in with their apprenticeships.

“They’re great kids and they’re learning a lot from the team on deck here.”

Beatties currently has 18 staff members, five of which have worked there for over 20 years.

“There’s a lot of industry experience here – so it’s great to see our next generation of staff coming through,” Mr Tutty said.

Of the 1800+ people who have benefited from MTFJ:

• 380 people have been placed in apprenticeships

• 400 youth & 200 adults displaced by Covid-19 have entered employment

• 50+ people living with a disability have found employement

If you’re a business owner, or someone looking for employment, you can visit www.closingthegaps.nz or get in touch with our Community Empowerment Coordinator phone 021 327 611.