EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2027
More than reps and sets. Build strength, confidence and brighter futures.
Love fitness? Great with young people? We’re looking for someone who can do both. START Taranaki is seeking a Youth Mentor & Personal Trainer to support rangatahi and take day-to-day ownership of our gym and fitness programme.
THE ROLE
This is a fixed term 18-month role where you’ll mentor rangatahi from both our core programme and early intervention programmes while using movement, training and positive routines to build connection, confidence and wellbeing. You’ll also keep our gym safe, organised and ready to deliver meaningful sessions. You will liaise with communities to support training and vocational opportunities for rangatahi who have an interest in Personal Training and physical fitness.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Designing and delivering safe, age-appropriate individual and small-group fitness sessions.
Mentoring rangatahi through goal-setting, motivation, emotional regulation and life skills.
Overseeing gym access, inductions, equipment checks, cleaning, maintenance logs and safe practice.
Tracking participation and progress, and working with the wider team to link fitness to mentoring goals.
Supporting community activities and other mentoring duties as part of START’s wider programmes.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
A recognised personal training or exercise qualification relevant to the work.
A full, clean driver's license.
Confidence coaching a range of abilities, with strong knowledge of technique and gym safety.
The ability to connect with rangatahi who may not have had positive experiences of education, sport or support services.
Professional boundaries, great communication and a proactive, organised approach.
Current first aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain it before independent gym supervision.
Youth mentoring experience is a strong advantage; required safety checks apply.
WHY START?
This is a chance to shape a youth-focused gym environment, not just run workouts. Bring your ideas, energy and practical skills to a team that believes in creating opportunities for rangatahi to thrive.
SOUND LIKE YOUR KIND OF ROLE?
Send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your fitness qualifications and experience working with young people.
We are a youth justice organisation and require a clean drug test before commencement of the role. This role is subject to vetting from both Police and Oranga Tamariki.