Jacinda Ardern launches on-the-job training scheme for 4,000 young people

An on-the-job training scheme for 4,000 young people has been launched by the Prime Minister today.

Jacinda Ardern spoke about the Mana in Mahi initiative from Porirua today.

"It will start out by giving the equivalent of the dole to an employer who commits to taking on someone who is working towards a Level 4 qualification."

The employer will then top up the amount to at least the minimum wage.

Ms Ardern continued: "We will support you, to support our young people and I have every hope in doing so we will get more young people into apprentices, more skilled labour out there filling shortages that we have."

Ms Ardern said the Government will start with 150 over the next few months, with 18 to 24-year-olds will be targeted initially.