School-based apprenticeship and traineeship are to be increased across the Territory following a pilot program being launched by the Education Directorate.
Welcoming the ‘Head Start’ program, Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry said up to 50 places were made available in the initial pilot program, which focused on skills, local industry workforce needs and industry sectors that were targeted for future growth.
“Several of these places were prioritised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students with a disability and young people that may be disengaging from education and/or employment,” Ms Berry said.
“Students will have the added support of a dedicated team to provide tailored assistance, with the aim of supporting a successful post-school transition to secure, ongoing employment,” she said.
“Eight employers across five industries committed to employ 14 students under the first cohort of the pilot.”
Ms Berry said the industries included hospitality, automotive trades, light automotive, construction and carpentry, and light metal fabrication.
She said the successful pilot applicants were undertaking work experience and pre-vocational training to commence paid employment as an Australian School-based Apprenticeship from Term 4.
“Getting real life experience can be the best way to set students up for their careers,” the Minister said.
“This program could be the perfect launching pad to pave the way for many young people across the ACT.”
Further information on the Head Start pilot program can be accessed at this PS News link.
