limited service volunteer programme

for young people who want a reset

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Here you will find information you need to help young people apply for the Limited Service Volunteer programme.

limited service volunteer

What is it?

The Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) programme is a free voluntary six-week residential training programme run by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) on contract to and in partnership with MSD and the NZ Police.

The aim of the LSV programme is to help more young people to start employment or training by improving their self-discipline, self-confidence, motivation and initiative.These personal qualities are developed through the delivery of training within a structured environment.

There are people on site during the LSV programme to support trainees during the six weeks they are there, including:

  • NZDF social worker and psychologist
  • LSV coordinator, Case Manager, and Work Broker
  • Police Liaison Officer (Police mentor).

Having police mentors involved in the programme helps break down the barriers between the young people and the police.

Engaging with employers is an essential part of LSV. At the end of the programme the trainees attend an employer engagement event with a range of national and regional employers and industry trainers. This gives trainees an opportunity to meet with employers to hear what they're looking for and to use the new skills they've earned to have pitch themselves to these potential employers.

Who's it for?

The LSV programme is at 18 to 24 year olds who are not currently in employment, education, or training  with 17 year old applicants decided on a case-by-case basis.

The young person can be male, female or gender-diverse. If you're gender-diverse, they'll talk with the young person about how they can make sure they're comfortable and safe throughout the course.

All applicants must have a medical assessment and a police vetting check. NZDF review the medical assessment and police check to decide whether they will accept the young person referred from MSD into the programme.

Please note: young people who have criminal convictions, asthma, allergies, past injuries or poor mental health may still be able to attend LSV. If they are on probation or waiting for a court hearing, they may also need a letter of support from their probation officer or lawyer. 

how to apply

Young people who want to apply for the LSV programme will need to get a medical certificate and fill in the application form and police vetting form. The application, police vetting form, and medical certificate can all be found here: Limited Service Volunteer application form – Youth Service Providers

The young person will need to go to a doctor or nurse practitioner to get the medical certificate completed. The medical check will be free for the young person. 

What you'll need to do in ART

  1. Create a new Task:
    • Task category: Reviews
    • Task type: Limited Service Volunteer
  2. Answer the questions in the template
     
  3. Attach the medical certificate, application and police vetting form

  4. Send to YSSU.

It shouldn’t be cost a young person to attend LSV. If accepted onto the programme, support the young person to apply for Programme Fund (for NEET) or Course Participation Allowance (for YP/YPP) so they can get the gear they need to attend LSV.

More information

For more information about the LSV programme visit the LSV website.  You can also contact the LSV team at LSV@msd.govt.nz.