Young people (16 to 24): not in work, study or training

Need to talk?

Not having a job at your age doesn't mean you're behind or a failure. Lots of young people take a while to find their path, and the labour market is tough.

Youth Service and payments for 16 to 19

• Youth Service (youthservice.govt.nz): community providers who support young people to stay in or return to education, training or work-based learning. its NEET service helps young people who have left school get back into education, training or work, and living-cost and parenting-cost payments are available for some 16 to 19-year-olds. Find your nearest provider on the Youth Service website.
• Youth Payment: financial support for 16 or 17-year-olds who are living independently.
• Young Parent Payment: financial support for young parents aged 16 to 19.
• You get a youth coach if you receive a payment or are enrolled in the NEET service.
• Limited Service Volunteer: an NZ Defence Force motivational course for young people. Ask Work and Income whether it is currently offered and who can join.

Free study: Youth Guarantee

The Youth Guarantee Fund pays for fees-free tertiary programmes for learners aged 16 to 24 with no or low prior qualifications (as at the TEC's 2026 funding rules), working towards NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3 or another Level 1 to 3 qualification. You must be a domestic student, not enrolled at secondary school at the same time (with limited exceptions), and generally not already hold a Level 1 or 2 or higher qualification. There are limits on how much study the fund will pay for. Ask a local polytechnic, wānanga or training provider, or check the TEC website.

Jobseeker Support for 18 to 24-year-olds

Use the Stand-down and Benefit Estimator tools on this site. You may be eligible for help with costs, driver licences, work clothing or transport.

Getting experience

• Apprenticeships and trainee roles: Work and Income lists a Mana in Mahi programme (wage subsidy for employers who hire eligible benefit recipients into apprenticeships or industry training). Check the Work and Income site for what's currently offered.
• Volunteering and short courses are real experience.
• Direct Career Service (0800 222 733): free career advice, 17+.
• Careers NZ (careers.govt.nz): tools to explore jobs and training.
• Don't wait for the perfect job. Aim for a first step you can build from.

Looking after yourself

• Youthline: 0800 376 633, text 234, web chat, 24/7. Support for young people aged 12 to 24, their whānau and friends.
• 1737 (free mental health support, call or text any time).
• RainbowYOUTH (ry.org.nz) supports queer, gender diverse, takatāpui and intersex young people.
• If you're drinking or using more, see the alcohol, drugs and gambling guide: the Alcohol Drug Helpline has a youth line 0800 787 984.