Introduction

Mana in Mahi (Strength in Work) is a one-year programme that supports people who are at risk of long-term benefit receipt to get an apprenticeship, or other formal industry qualification, to gain sustainable employment.

The Mana in Mahi programme is administered by the Ministry of Social Development under the Employment and Work Readiness Assistance Programme. The Ministry determines whether a participant and their employer are eligible for, and will be accepted in, Mana in Mahi. The employer also needs to meet the requirements set out in the Mana in Mahi contract between the Ministry and the employer.

Mana in Mahi participants may qualify for incentive payments, financial assistance to support their education or training, pastoral care and mentoring.

Mana in Mahi employers are paid a wage subsidy for the participant and may also get financial assistance towards the cost of the participant’s course fees, education and training. 

Mana in Mahi, like all assistance provided for under the Employment and Work Readiness Assistance Programme, is discretionary assistance. There are matters the Ministry needs to consider before granting assistance to a participant under the Mana in Mahi programme.