Paula Bennett

Wellington, Jan 15 NZPA - The Government is urging young people to take advantage of expanded Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) courses.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said today an extra 1250 places had been added for this year and next year and the closing date for the first course at Burnham Camp was February 1.

The six-week courses are available to people aged 18 to 24 and are run by Defence Force personnel.

They have been running since 1993 with up to 625 young people taking part each year.

Ms Bennett said the courses offered young people the opportunity for a potentially life changing experience.

"Self confidence is sometimes lacking and the courage to take risks and open yourself to new opportunities is sometimes missing," she said.

"I have seen first hand the light that switches on for young people while on LSV. They gain confidence, they learn about themselves and what they are capable of.

"They come out with a plan. Sometimes it's not just an employment or study plan but a life altering direction that they will take."

Associate Defence Minister Heather Roy said the courses were a mix of youth life skills and military-style training -- excluding weapons training -- focused on teamwork, self-discipline, individual responsibility, pride and confidence.

"Results have shown that of all those who complete the courses, 45 percent gain employment and a further 30 percent enter trade-related training within three months of the course finishing," she said.

The extra places are part of the Government's Youth Opportunities Package and are costing $19.1 million.

During this year, 14 courses will be run with six at Burnham, four at Trentham in Upper Hutt and four at Hobsonville in Auckland.

Applications are through Work and Income.

NZPA