A six-week “bootcamp” is kicking off an EIT and Youth Quest initiative . The aim is to help at-risk Maori and Pacific Island youth into trades training and jobs.    

During their introduction, the first intake will be flown by helicopter to Santoft Forest near Ohakea to spend 10 days learning life skills in the bush.

Midway through the bootcamp, they will start one of five EIT trades training programmes.

Students will learn to manage their time, look after themselves and teammates, and simple things like getting themselves to classes and maintaining good study routines.

 Based at Camp David, students will spend three days a week in the classroom and two days at the Havelock North adventure camp undergoing physical training and mentoring under the guidance of Youth Quest @ Camp David director Paul Fong. Paul has served in the New Zealand Army and the Police. 

Students must commit to 12 months’ training and have good whanau support.