Unemployment has risen to 5.6 percent, while the number of young people aged 15 to 24 who are not in employment, education or training has climbed to 94,600. That unemployment rate is the highest in 11 years with 7,400 more young people than a year ago. That unemployment rate is the highest in 11 years with 7,400 more young people than a year ago. That means backing apprenticeships, strengthening tertiary education, creating pathways into skilled work, and partnering with employers and Iwi. Every month spent unemployed or disconnected from education makes it harder to find work, build confidence and contribute to our communities.