Limited Service Volunteer Course Participants at Action Matakana
The Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) course is a free 6-week residential training course for young people who are not currently working, in training or studying, aimed at supporting them to get the skills to find a job, to feel proud of what they can do and get a fresh start in life.
LSV is a residential course where young people take part in a range of activities to help them move on to jobs, training or study.
Run by the New Zealand Defence Force, LSV started in 1993 and courses run several times a year. Hundreds of young people have joined LSV and built the confidence and skills to get work-ready and make a fresh start in life.
In the field (that's where we come in) and in the classroom, Youth Development Specialists help motivate trainees and boost their self-confidence; teaching teamwork, resilience, and life skills.
Action Matakana hosts the LSV based at Whenuapai
The LSV groups based at Whenuapai Base near Auckland have an Outdoor Activities week in the second week of their programme. The groups of 100-150 participants firstly camp at Shakespeare Bay for two days, then head to Action Matakana and camp on our grounds. The Obstacle Course "Mud Run" plays a big part in their challenges, and all the activities we provide are aimed at increasing teamwork, trust and communication skills in the group.
Ex Army Officer and Action Matakana Founder, Max Carpenter says:
"These young people are absolutely great to work with. They are here to make a fresh and positive start on their adult life, and they really give it their all. It's fantastic to see them begin to really bond as a group in the face of the team building challenges. One group cancelled due to weather, and the LSV organiser told us that the group had a lower retention rate as a result - without the essential component of team building, more participants chose to drop out of the programme. He told us they would never cancel for bad weather again, they would come no matter what!"
Interested in joining the LSV?
This programme is designed to ensure that the participating young people are prepared to have the best possible start in a career. In week 6 participants are introduced to potential employers to help them secure a job - possibly within the New Zealand Defense Force, Police Force, Fire Service, Forestry, Security - or a pathway to further training, education or meaningful employment.
“You learn that the majority of them just needed a chance … Over the six-week period young leaders start to show, others begin to learn more about themselves, and others find a spark within them - to not only make a change, but be the change. The feeling I get when I see the trainees march out on graduation day is priceless. I see their family and friends expressing their joy, and the trainee beaming with pride." - LYDS Faleofa
YDU also supports 29 Services Academies within secondary schools (Including our regular client, Waitakere College), fostering skills and values to help senior students take positive roles in society.
