Website for school leavers goes live

A new social platform specifically for Kiwi school leavers has been launched. Youth Hub connects youth, educators, service providers and businesses to inspire and support students as they transition from school to further education, training and employment.

“It’s a bit like LinkedIn for students,” says website founder Senthil Perumal. “Youth Hub is a one-stop shop for students and young people aged between 16 and 24 to read inspiring stories about their peers, tell their own stories, and to connect with prospective employers.”

Site visitors start by creating a profile and can then access youth-friendly listings for training, services and jobs. Helpful connections include links to curriculum vitae-writing workshops.

A small group of students were given early access to test the Beta version of the platform: “It’s been great, and super-easy to use,” says Maddie Wright, 17, from Wellington. “It’s got the class talking about what we want to do when we leave school.”

Teacher Matiu Julian says it is clear that many students want to get involved, and that they understand the value that the website provides. “The teachers and parents I’ve spoken to have all been very impressed.”

Mr Perumal says he build Youth Hub with youth at heart. “Although there are fantastic services, businesses and educators doing great things for youth, there has been no central system to achieve collective impact. Youth Hub has all fundamentals of social media experiences that are youth are conversant with.