Is it going anywhere?- Is it going to get you a job?: an exploratory case study: of the role leisure plays in the training of young people for jobs, in the transition between school and the paid work-force

Abstract

This thesis examines attitudes to work and leisure in the context of three courses that offer young people vocational assistance in the Motueka region of the South Island. A case study methodology was used which included interviews with people from government agencies and training providers as well as four focus group interviews with trainees. The principle research question was; what role does leisure play in the training of young people for jobs, in the transition from school to the paid work-force? It was concluded that training programmes and rural training providers are successful in offering young people a variety of skills in an environment that could be seen as a transitional stage between school and work. Recreation that was provided on the courses was an important part of making this experience useful and enjoyable for the young people in this research. Additionally, this thesis makes a contribution to the academic literature by discussing theories of changing practices, attitudes, and beliefs relating to work (both paid and unpaid) and leisure in contemporary society.