July 14, 2019
Driver licenses leading jobs and second chance
A Provincial Growth Fund investment to help young ex-offenders get a driver's licence has exceeded expectations in Northland.
Since the Howard League for Penal Reform expanded its driver's licence programme into the region a year ago, 338 people have received licences, more then two thirds of them Māori.
In addition the Department of Corrections has placed 120 of the 338 people into employment.
Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says as most entry level jobs require a driver's licence, the scheme improves the employment prospects of participants significantly.
A driver's licence also provides ex-offenders with identification for situations such as signing up for a rental property.
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