An innovative approach to youth unemployment has led the Clutha District mayor to describe the region's Ready, Steady, Work programme as a huge success, with almost all participants now in employment.
Bryan Cadogan personally worked with government agencies, community groups and local businesses to reduce youth unemployment.
He says he got employers throughout the district to provide the jobs and the course motivated the young people to apply for them.
Just two out of 26 young people on the course have not yet found a job.
Mr Cadogan told Morning Report that despite misconceptions, all young people want to work.
"There are so many good kids that through no fault of their own are wearing the brunt of this recession and they're finding themselves out of work. And once they're out of work they're getting a bit isolated," he says.
Mr Cadogan says if the young people are given a chance they grab it.
He believes the concept could work anywhere in the country.
