Around half of Year 9 students around the State will get a taste of the world of work and post-school opportunities through the $19.2 million Year 9 Career Taster Program (CTP).
Delivering a McGowan Government election commitment, the program will support Year 9 students to become ‘career curious’ and extend their thinking through practical activities and meaningful experiences with the world of work.
The program will give schools the flexibility to design career exploration experiences that allow students to learn about different industries, current and emerging occupations and career pathways.
The CTP will give secondary students the tools to make more informed choices and position vocational education and training as a viable alternative to university.
The program has been co-designed through an extensive consultation process with industry, education experts, TAFEs, school sectors and community stakeholders.
Program delivery is planned to commence from Term 1, 2022 and run for four years.
Pilot programs have commenced, with Year 9 students from Rockingham Senior High School being in the first cohort.
This pilot program at Rockingham will be delivered at its Peron Trade Training Centre in partnership with South Metropolitan TAFE and Community Skills WA.
Once fully rolled out, the program will be delivered to around 17,000 Year 9 students annually.
As part of the program, an online career taster portal is being developed to provide a one‑stop resource for students, schools and industry including career taster events, activities, resources and information.
More information is available at https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/careertaster
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“It is important for students to understand the full range of possible careers from an early age, including university and vocational education and training pathways.
“This new Career Taster Program enables students to explore possible careers and connect with industry well in advance of the later stages of high school.
“This innovative program gives students real world experience, meaning they can make more informed decisions about study pathways to pursue the best career for them.”
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“For a while now, industry and employers have wanted to have stronger links with schools and opportunities to expose students to the world of work as early as possible.
“This is a new and innovative program that will help achieve this, designed to challenge students’ thinking and make connections between education and post-school opportunities.
“The program will inspire students to explore the many career options available post-school and assist them to plot out a pathway to achieve their goals.”
Education and Trainig Minister’s office – 6552 5700
