The ACT Government has officially launched the pilot program Head Start, providing increased school-based apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for public school students.
The 2021-22 ACT Budget committed funding of $2.2m over three years (2021-22 to 2023-24) for implementation of the program.
“We continue to support high-quality learning programs to help our students follow whatever path they choose,” says Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry.
“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”.
Up to 50 places were made available in the initial pilot program – focusing on ACT skills, local industry workforce needs and industry sectors 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.
Eight employers across five industries committed to employ 14 students under the first cohort of the pilot.
Industries include:
- Hospitality
- Automotive trades
- Light automotive
- Construction/carpentry
- Light metal fabrication
Expressions of Interest for the second cohort of the Head Start pilot program opened on 8 August.
Successful applicants are 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. This program could be the perfect launching pad to pave the way for many young people across the ACT”, says Minister Berry.
The Head Start Pilot program is part of the ACT Government’s Future of Education Strategy, focuses on ensuring students are engaged in their learning and build collaborative partnerships between public schools, government, industry and community service providers.
