The Ready, Steady, Work course - an initiative under the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs programme - involved a joint approach between the task force and some of Clutha's major employers to run a mentoring programme alongside employment.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said it was about six months since planning for the programme began, and it was about six months away from being held again.
''We deliberately held back at the time because, yeah, there's numbers and statistics, but behind the numbers and statistics there are individuals that are good kids - our kids.
''I will always state that I want zero unemployment. Because zero is the only figure that doesn't have an individual behind it.''
As a member of the task force, Mr Cadogan has been working with five government agencies and community groups to reduce youth unemployment by identifying those needing jobs earlier and helping them become attractive prospects for Clutha employers.
The Ready, Steady, Work course was funded by the Ministry of Social Development, which also provided staff to help run it. It incorporated a fitness and healthy eating programme, mentoring, sessions with speakers and tours of local businesses. The course also spent a week based at Telford, with youth staying in the hostel and learning agricultural skills.
More than a dozen Clutha employers took part, offering jobs in factories, forestry, agriculture and other sectors.
Ministry of Social Development southern regional commissioner John Allen said that in the area from the Rangitata River to Stewart Island, 3346 people were on the unemployment benefit, including 993 aged between 18 and 24 - and of these, 50% were in Dunedin.
In Clutha, there were 140 people on the unemployment benefit, with 27 in the 18-24 age bracket.
''Clutha is way ahead of the game in terms of the youth [unemployment] problem,'' he said, describing the programme as ''a rip-roaring success''.
Mr Allen said the issue of youth unemployment was never going to be solved by the ministry alone. Rather, it would require the community and employers to come together.
''That's exactly what Ready, Steady, Work did ... you have given these young people an opportunity to be valued in the workforce.''
One youth, who works at the Gardians milk powder plant near Clydevale, said the programme turned his life around.
''I was that rock bottom that I wasn't going anywhere, until James from MSD reached out. It [the course] was a blast; we really enjoyed it.''
Danny, the first youth to be employed, was offered a job shortly after the programme started.
''Taking part in the course was a really warm feeling - we got to speak with everyone. It was great that you [course organisers] made the first steps for us to get there.''
Employers also praised the programme.
Training co-ordinator for Silver Fern Farms Finegand Mihi Stevens said it had helped change the culture at the plant.
''I came in partway through ... I have to say there was scepticism at our site. There were a lot of people who were quite negative about it, but the reality is that it has been a success.''
The Finegand freezing works had 10 youth from the programme and all but one were still working there.
Ms Stevens said youth had seen they had an opportunity to grow through the programme.
''Finegand, as long as I'm there, will be part and parcel of this.''
Southern Cross Forest Products human resources manager Kaye Solomon, who is based in Mosgiel, said the company had two youths come under the programme.
''One didn't work out but the other is at our Mosgiel site - he has worked out extremely well.''
The company wanted to support and employ people in the community and were keen to continue with the programme, Ms Solomon said.
Balclutha New World owner and operator Craig Broderick said the supermarket ''took a chance'' and employed three young people, but only one remained.
''One from three is a success, and we want to do it again. It's been a great experience.''
Clutha sub-area supervisor Senior Sergeant Richard Whitmore said the police were pleased with the interaction they had had with young people on the course.
''Unfortunately, when youth are unemployed, some of that group comes to our attention ... The programme really broke down the barriers.''
Snr Sgt Whitmore said many young people wanted adults and ''groups like this'' to take an interest in their future.
On the Telford trip, the participants began each day with a range of fitness activities and spent the remainder learning farming skills.
Telford was an untapped resource in addressing the issue of youth unemployment, director Charley Lamb said.
''It's a key point to have employers and institutes on board ... employers have to drive it from here.''
Some staff initially expressed concern about the course, fearing drug and alcohol issues would come with it.
Prof Lamb said having set guidelines was important and there was a change in staff attitudes after they spent time with course participants.
Mr Cadogan said that while the course did not reduce youth unemployment to zero, it remained a success, and would be offered again this year with the support of funders, employers and the community.
