NZ Army caterer puts stock in developing youth

Before joining the Army in 2015, Corporal Procter was studying to become an electrician when a friend mentioned they were thinking about doing the LSV programme, run by the NZDF’s Youth Development Unit (YDU).

“I looked into the programme and as I had previously thought about joining the Army or Navy I thought I might enjoy it. I heard you get a lot of life skills and learn a good routine and I thought it might help me with future employment” Corporal Procter says.

“Once I was there I enjoyed the routine and having the consistency every day. The training we were offered was progressive so we could see ourselves improving and learning. The way things were happening you could definitely see how it was going to set you up well for civvy street. The instructors had good values, were good people to look up to, and it kind of made me want to join the Army more.” 

After completing the LSV programme, Corporal Procter decided the Army was the place for him. The trades he initially wanted to join had a wait list and he wanted to get his foot in the door straight away, so he joined as a chef (the trade has since been renamed ‘caterer’)

“When I got to my unit I really liked the people I was working with. That made me want to stay and not consider changing to another trade. Though it was always in my plan to do a posting to YDU, as having been through a course myself it is really beneficial how you can help others.”

This year Corporal Procter decided to train to become a Youth Development Specialist (YDS).

“One of the tutors on the YDS course was actually one of my instructors when I did the LSV programme so that was definitely a full circle moment. And I have bumped into a few other instructors over the last 10 years at various exercises or fitness tests and have been able to have funny ‘hey I remember you’ moments.

“Getting to YDU and being an instructor has always been my goal. Being about to pass on knowledge and experience just like my instructors did and help the attendees with their routines and just getting to be a role model to others and be someone they can look up to is what I see as meaningful.”

The Youth Development Unit within the NZDF runs Services Academy programmes alongside the Ministry of Education for year 12 and 13 students, Limited Services Volunteer programmes in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development for adult volunteers aged 18 to 24, and the Blue Light programme alongside NZ Police. The courses help young people gain life skills, confidence for employment, education and community participation, for the benefit of New Zealand’s communities and young people.