It is thanks to the Mayor’s Taskforce For Jobs, a programme which supports young people aged 16-24 into work placements.
It is funded by the Ministry of Social Development, and run at a local level by councils around New Zealand.
Waitaki has already beaten its target of 38 placements just seven months into the July 2023-June 2024 period.
Seventeen different industries were involved in the programme, including mechanics, electricians, hospitality, engineering, builders, farm contracting, farming, butchers, panelbeating and masonry.
Mayor Gary Kircher said it was an example that "local communities can often find local solutions to local problems."
Trent Woodford was placed at Network Waitaki by the taskforce.
The taskforce came to Waitaki Boys’ High School and he put his name forward.
"They got me in and helped with my CV and licence.
"I’m now halfway through my apprenticeship and things are going OK."
It is not the first time Waitaki has surpassed its target.
Between July 2021 and June 2022 it achieved 65 placements when the target was 50.
The target had since dropped as a result of more councils joining the programme, splitting the funding, Mr Kircher said.
"We are still exceeding our targets, proving the value for money our programme is delivering."
