WHAT IS DINE AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
DINE Academy offers pre-employment training programmes. It is run by a passionate team of hospitality and tourism professionals who want to inspire young people and support their entry into the workforce. DINE runs a 1–2-week boot camp for 15–24-year olds and an annual graduation dinner, which quickly equip young people with work readiness skills, work experience, and confidence.
DINE partners with local stadiums and large hospitality venues to showcase industry and career opportunities, while mentoring and developing the talent of their trainees. DINE trainees are introduced over a few years to a network of supportive employers and tertiary options and have access to ongoing light-touch mentoring and career counselling. DINE facilitates access to flexible employment, which enables young people to stay in education whilst also developing their work ethic as maturing employees.
“It all started with DINE. Now I have two kids and my own house and I work 3–5 days a week. If I hadn’t done DINE, I’d probably just be at home bored, on a benefit”
– DINE Academy graduate
DINE’S BUSINESS MODEL
DINE’s business model currently relies on philanthropic support from impact partners such as the Hospitality Training Trust and Foundation North. Underpinning the programmes DINE delivers is a strong partnership model involving in-kind support from stadiums, hotels, and other industry partners. The Ministry of Youth Development previously contracted DINE to engage young people in training and increase their confidence to enter employment. DINE is open to this type of contract again or reengaging on longer-term contracts for outcomes with government. They are now also well positioned to secure a trading model— such as delivering programmes in partner schools—that they can depend on.
New Zealand has high rates of youths aged 15-24 years who are not in employment, education or training (NEET rate). In March 2020, the New Zealand NEET rate for young people was 14%, up from 11.7%in the previous quarter. That rate is likely to increase further due to the anticipated post-Covid global recession.
DINE’S IMPACT
DINE supports young people to be work ready and to gain work experience and confidence. As a consequence, DINE students are either able to stay in long-term employment in a range of industries or to go on to further education. Young people who have been supported by DINE enjoy increased financial security and related wellbeing outcomes, such as improved housing and achievement of life goals, which make them happier and healthier.
EVIDENCE OF IMPACT
Over the eight years the programme has been running, DINE’s 1-week bootcamp has resulted in improved capability, employment prospects, and resilience for participants. Statistics from DINE’s 930 2018/19 graduate intake indicate that 68% of the DINE trainees went into ongoing paid employment; 93% DINE trainees say they gained capability skills and/or resilience, and 100% stayed in school during the programme.