WELLINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government unveiled ambitious scheme to create new work, education and training opportunities for unemployed young people on Sunday.

In a speech to the annual conference of the National Party in Christchurch, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced a 152 million NZ dollars (100 million U.S. dollars) package, which includes 52 million NZ dollars (34.3 million U.S. dollars) for a youth guarantee scheme, Radio New Zealand reported.

Sixteen and 17-year-olds who are not at school will have access to free training in polytechs, wananga or private training establishments.

Key told delegates that the number of unemployed youth has risen from 4,000 last June to 17,000 a year later, and described high and rising youth unemployment as a particular challenge facing the country.

"It is absolutely critical that we provide young people with adequate development opportunities no fax payday loans. If we don't, we risk diminishing the potential of an entire generation of New Zealanders," Key said.

The scheme will start in January. A wage subsidy of 5,000 NZ dollars (3300 U.S dollars) is being offered to employers over a six-month period to take on low-skilled young people.

And 1,200 places are being offered in six-week, military-style training programs in 2010 and 2011.

Key said the government will also provide 4 million NZ dollars (2.64 million U.S. dollars) for new places in summer research scholarships for university students.

He said he expects almost 17,000 young people to benefit from the youth opportunities scheme. ?? Special Report: Global Financial Crisis

New Zealand gov't unveils youth job scheme

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