Expanded program sets students on path to job success
The success of an innovative approach to improving higher education and career outcomes for students will see the scheme rolled out to more schools.
A program to improve education and career outcomes for high school students will be expanded to schools across NSW over the next two years, thanks to a $13.5 million investment from the NSW Government.
The Educational Pathways Program (EPP) introduces students to different post-school study and employment options, and will expand from 24 schools to up to 139 public schools across NSW from next year.
The program has been extremely successful since it was introduced in 2020, with the number of students enrolling in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships tripling across the schools participating in the pilot.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said investing in career education and skills training for young people was key to keeping the NSW economy strong into the future.
“Encouraging the next generation to consider an apprenticeship or traineeship through this program will help to reduce future skills shortages and create a highly employable workforce,” Mr Lee said.
“Through this program, a growing number of Year 10, 11 and 12 students are earning and starting their career in industry while learning new skills in the classroom.
“The program is about exposing school students to the different directions they can take in their career so they can make informed and confident decisions.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government was supporting high school students looking to take the first step in their career.
“Greater Year 12 retention, increased completion of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and increased participation in post-school education are just some of the benefits of the program,” Ms Mitchell said.
Secondary public schools in the Illawarra, New England and North West, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven, as well as western Sydney suburbs of Parramatta and Blacktown, will have access to the Educational Pathways Program in 2022.
The NSW Government’s investment in the Education Pathways Program will fund:
Strengthened career guidance and support for school students under specialist teachers for school-based apprentices and trainees.
Immersion programs with Registered Training Organisations, including TAFE NSW, to give high school students ‘vocational tasters’ of different industries.
Workshops to teach students employability skills, such as how to prepare for a job interview, how to communicate with employers, and how to manage their online presence.
Dedicated careers support to connect students to local employers and jobs.
A record number of new apprentices and trainees are being hired to work on vital road and transport infrastructure, helping to keep jobs and money in the regions.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said applications were now open for a record 76 placements as part of the Transport for NSW Apprentice and Trainee Program.
“As we roll out our record $71.5 billion transport regional infrastructure program, we’re committed to engaging locals to continue learning in their local community and set them up for work at the end of their training, helping keep jobs in the regions,” Mr Toole said.
“Since the program launched in 2015, nearly 90 per cent of roles have gone to those living in regional areas, helping communities bounce back from drought, bushfires, flooding and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This program provides great employment opportunities for job seekers or people who are looking to change careers, while at the same time developing skills and knowledge within regional communities to support future infrastructure needs.
“Many apprentices and trainees go on to secure permanent employment at Transport for NSW, with 80 per cent of participants whose programs ended in 2020 and 2021 appointed to roles after or during their program.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Transport was committed to developing a diverse workforce, with women accounting for 40 per cent and Aboriginal people accounting for 24 per cent of apprentices and trainees.
“This program is about giving people the chance to work in the public service, as well as improving Aboriginal and female representation across the transport sector,” Mr Constance said.
“The program opens up opportunities across six disciplines, including civil construction, business administration, bridge carpentry, heavy diesel mechanical, electrical, and a new program for project management.
“I’ve seen first-hand how this program has changed lives by building a skills legacy to meet future needs within the local community.
“As we continue to invest in road and infrastructure projects, it is important we have people on the ground who have the skills in maintenance and operational delivery.”
Applications for the Apprentice and Traineeship are open from today to midnight 22 August 2021.
AN INNOVATIVE partnership between major dealership group Peter Warren Automotive and the NSW TAFE has boosted apprenticeship numbers and formed a comprehensive training package to assure high quality technicians for the future.
Peter Warren Automotive (PWA) has 40 first-year apprentices now in its inaugural D.R.I.V.E. Academy established to meet the growing demand for skilled automotive workers.
The initiative comes as the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce calls for a new focus on appendices for the automotive industry in what it terms “a critical labour shortage”.
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym said there are 31,000 jobs in the industry around Australia that can’t be filled.
He said immigration was relied on in past decades “but that hasn’t been available for the past 18 months and, I think, unlikely for the next couple of years.”
“We can’t create apprentices that aren’t there,” he said.
“Only 50 percent of the industry puts on apprentices – that should be 70 percent. We have to go back to 1975 and re-engage the apprentice market.”
PWA’s group training manager Gary Davenport said the training takes place at TAFE’s Campbelltown campus for apprentices from the dealership’s franchises in Warwick Farm, Northern Beaches and Campbelltown.
The first-year apprentices study light-vehicle mechanical technology at TAFE but the program is customised to suit the needs of the dealership and its specific brands.
“The training is done by TAFE NSW but we have designed the program along similar lines to an OEM,” said Mr Davenport.
“This means we have three groups of apprentices who each attend TAFE classrooms in Campbelltown for five day blocks. This is one of the benefits of our training program.
“In addition, we provide Peter Warren Automotive uniforms for the apprentices and for the 14 TAFE lecturers. This reflects the strength of our partnership between TAFE and us.
“We also have one group of apprentices who are dedicated to Mercedes-Benz training. So they stay together and attend the TAFE classroom at the same time.
“We are talking to other OEMs – including Honda Australia – to supply dedicated training vehicles to support the D.R.I.V.E. Academy.”
Mr Davenport said the program is also specific for Peter Warren Automotive “in that we have tailored it to include areas such as customer service, health and safety, and compliance – areas that may not normally be tutored by an OEM because unlike a dealership, they may have less contact with the customers”.
The partnership between PWA and the NSW TAFE was announced earlier this year by NSW minister for skills and tertiary education, Geoff Lee.
“This partnership will see first-year apprentices receive hands-on training specific to the vehicle makes associated with Peter Warren Automotive,” Mr Lee said.
“This agreement is an example of how TAFE NSW partners with industry to deliver practical and specific skills to meet industry needs.
“In this case, building a pipeline of mechanics to strengthen the automotive industry and meet the safety and customer service needs of Peter Warren Automotive.”
One hundred scholarships, worth $15,000 each, will support apprentices who are experiencing financial or personal hardship, and demonstrate a commitment to a career in vocational education and training. Apprenticeships are vital to ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled workers in growth areas but we also understand it’s not always easy to complete a qualification.
The scholarship program is all about giving aspiring apprentices an opportunity to start, change or further their career. It is named in honour of the late Bert Evans AO, a passionate advocate of vocational education for more than 30 years.
Visit training.nsw.gov.au/bert_evans_scholarships or phone 13 28 11 for more information and to apply before the May 28 closing date.
Creative Ageing Framework a work of art
Painting for people living with dementia is one program highlighted in the NSW government’s new framework to help boost health and wellbeing for older people.
The NSW Creative Ageing Framework promotes productive ageing and healthy lifestyles by tapping into seniors’ creativity. Seniors are encouraged to undertake creative pursuits as a way to challenge themselves, stay socially connected and embrace lifelong learning.
Whether it be joining a library, storytelling, painting, dancing or using digital media, creative activities like these help keep us mentally and physically healthy.
For more information, visit: facs.nsw.gov.au/download?file=805614.
Flood recovery assistance
Anyone impacted by the devastating floods should reach out for help. Recovery Centres have been established in Port Macquarie at 143 Gordon Street, and at 58 Bold Street Laurieton.
Service NSW have staff are on hand to assist customers as well as advise and support specialist businesses impacted by floods. While Service NSW centres are open normal trading hours, help is available 24/7 on 13 77 88.
For more information please call the Port Macquarie electorate office.
