$50m to train tradies
New initiative combines secondary schooling and apprenticeships
A DOZEN Geelong and Surf Coast high schools will take part in a $50 million program to allow students to finish their secondary education with an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Acting Premier James Merlino announced the launch of the Government’s Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships initiative during a visit to the region yesterday.
Mr Merlino said the initiative would deliver up to 1700 new apprenticeships and traineeships at 100 secondary schools across the state.
“Every child, in every community deserves attention and support to succeed at school and beyond — which is exactly what we are delivering in Geelong,” Mr Merlino said.
“Our record investment in education is making sure every student is supported to develop the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career and in life.”
The Head Start initiative will be delivered at 12 schools in the region, including Geelong High School, Northern Bay P-12 College, Nelson Park School, Western Heights Secondary College, North Geelong Secondary College, Lara Secondary College, Matthew Flinders Girls’ Secondary College, Bellarine Secondary College, Belmont High School, Grovedale College, Oberon High School and Newcomb Secondary College.
It will allow students to finish their VCE or VCAL while spending more time undertaking paid training.
Geelong state Labor MP Christine Couzens said the initiative would help better prepare students for the workforce.
“We want all young Victorians who are learning a trade to be qualified and ready to work in areas where there are real job opportunities,” Ms Couzens said.
“Our apprentices are the backbone of our training system and the future of our workforce so it’s vital we give them all the support we can.”
The 2018/19 State Budget included $50 million to deliver the Head Start program, which will include school-based coordinators to help deliver the initiative by providing employment and vocational pathway advice and direct support to students.
It is expected students will be able to access the program from next year, with available courses including Certificate IIIs in Landscape Construction, Carpentry, Commercial Cookery, Information Digital Media and Technology, Individual Support (Disability and Age Care), Community Services, Education Support, Early Childhood Education and Care and Agriculture.