More Aboriginal students to access Workabout Centre program for job pathways

Aboriginal students in Southern Adelaide, Western Adelaide and Port Lincoln now have access to specialised support that prepares them to be job ready, through the expansion of the Workabout Centre program.

The Workabout Centre connects Aboriginal secondary students with education and employment pathways that lead to sustainable employment, such as school-based traineeships, apprenticeships, work experience programs, access to training, higher education pathways and post-school support.

The additional centres are part of the new Aboriginal Education Strategy, launched in December last year, with the Government investing $1.9 million over three years to expand the program.

Workabout Centres are already operating in Northern Adelaide and Port Augusta, and a new centre will also open in the Murraylands later this year.

More than 1,000 Aboriginal students in Year 7 to 12 have access to the Centres, with students returning year after year to continue to build their employability skills and knowledge.

Education Minister John Gardner said the expansion of the program will bring many benefits for Aboriginal students.

“The Workabout Centre is an innovative, integrated model for connecting Aboriginal young people with pathways that lead to sustainable employment,” said Minister Gardner.

“Students have access to mentoring, counselling, tutoring and work-readiness strategies with culturally inclusive support from secondary school into post-school pathways.

“The program has been highly effective in building student interest in education and career pathways, increasing attendance and retention rates of Aboriginal students at school.

“It’s exciting that we are able to provide more Aboriginal students with learning opportunities that are engaging, culturally relevant and cater to their specific needs.

“The expansion of the Workabout Centre program is a key commitment of the Government’s Aboriginal Education Strategy, which is focused on ensuring all Aboriginal children and young people are successful learners and highly skilled for the future.”

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