A new pilot program giving local high school students exposure to nursing, horticulture, forensics, renewables and construction took place at the first Introduction to Industry day at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) today.
Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Meegan Fitzharris said the pilot Industry Pathways Course is a vocational training program empowering Year 9 and 10 students to make informed choices about their future education and employment.
“This innovative pilot program delivered by CIT gives ACT students exposure to a range of work environments and is a chance to re-evaluate the current role of vocational education in our high schools,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“The ACT Government is committed to helping our students to gain the right skills they need to prepare them for their transition to further education, training or employment in their adult years.
“In a rapidly changing world of work, breaking down barriers and providing a broader range of VET qualifications to secondary school students will enable our young people to make informed decisions about their pathways and futures, and underpin development of a more diversely skilled and work-ready labour force,” said Minister Fitzharris.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Yvette Berry said the first year of the course will help prepare students for the world of work, while the second year will 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,” Minister 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.”
The course focuses on a unique student experience and is 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,” Minister Berry said.
The project is supported by funding from the National Partnership on the Skilling Australians Fund, a project-based agreement with the Australian Government, designed to meet the needs of industry and increase the number of apprentice and trainee commencements.
