A pilot program to help school leavers make informed choices about their future career has been launched at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
The Industry Pathways Course exposes high school students to nursing, horticulture, forensics, renewables and construction.
Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Meegan Fitzharris said the pilot also provided a chance to re-evaluate the role of vocational education in high schools.
“In a rapidly changing world of work, breaking down barriers and providing a broader range of vocational education and training (VET) qualifications to secondary school students will enable our young people to make informed decisions about their pathways and futures,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“It will also underpin development of a more diversely skilled and work-ready labour force.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry said the first year of the course would help prepare students for the world of work, while the second year would see them gain real experience in their occupational areas of interest.
“Throughout the program students have the opportunity to participate in three work placements across a range of occupations in high-skills-need areas including STEM, trades, professional services and community services,” Ms Berry said.
“Up to 80 students from Namadgi School, Wanniassa School, Melba Copland Secondary School and Mount Stromlo High School will participate in this pilot round, with plans to open up a total of 320 new places in 2020.”
She said the course was based on the ‘jobs without genders’ premise that there should be no limits or boundaries to a student’s chosen career path.
“Students will participate in industry visits, visit real work environments and will meet local business and industry champions to hear about their experiences with vocational education, including how it helped them succeed in their chosen occupation,” Ms Berry said.
