Organisers of the Clutha District Council Jobbortunities programme celebrated the achievement with many of the 104 employees, apprentices, employers and facilitators who have been given a boost by the scheme, at a special event in Balclutha last night.
The programme began with a work fair in Balclutha on October 1 last year, and an aim of placing 50 jobseekers in employment by the end of this month.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said he was "rapt" to have more than doubled that target, and excited by the impact on the lives of those now in work, and on the local economy.
The programme would now run for another year, thanks to further funding from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), he said.
"After years of struggling to find workers for jobs, this is a defining moment for Clutha.
"This is one of those projects where everything has just clicked, from government funding and support; to the right team on the ground led by [Jobbortunities co-ordinator] Ruth Carraway and Justine Barrie, and now Eden Wilson; to the courage and support of our wonderful local employers.
"We’re thrilled to be able to keep the momentum going for another 12 months."
Miss Wilson, a former Clutha youth councillor, would join the team in a pastoral support role this year.
Mrs Carraway said the initiative had led to a "wonderful journey" for the organising team, and programme participants.
"There’s been a lot of work, and a fair few laughs, some singing and dancing along the way. A big thanks to our employers for taking a chance on us and our workers, and their continued support."
The $500,000 programme is MSD-funded, under its Mayors’ Task Force for Jobs community recovery programme, and is overseen by the Clutha District Council.
MSD regional labour market manager Emma Hamilton joined the celebrations last night, and described Clutha’s effort as "brilliant".
"We thought a target of 50 would be pretty hard in a Covid-19 environment, so we’re thrilled with Clutha’s success," she said.
"This and parallel initiatives have been achieving really good outcomes across the country, and we’re pleased to be able to continue to fund those initiatives.
"It’s a chance for communities to take ownership of their situation locally, and effect genuine, lasting change."
