Rewards for all from special trade program
There is a buzz in the air as eager students return each Monday to the Baw Baw Skills Centre.
This isn’t a typical day - and these, until recently, are not typical students. But the rewards for all – including the teaching staff – are evident.
Local students with a disability can now gain a taste of a trade career via an innovative pathway program at the skills centre in Warragul.
Each week a group of 24 eager students from five local schools gain hands-on skills in carpentry and plumbing as part of the newly developed “Special Trade Pathways Program”.
The program is already reaping many benefits. It is the chance to learn life-skills and increase self-esteem, while some have already demonstrated the ability to move into mainstream trade studies next year.
“I thought it would be a bit harder teaching these guys and girls,” said carpentry teacher Jim Fallon. “They’re such a good bunch of kids and they just want to learn. They are the best class I have all week.”
West Gippsland Trade Training Alliance manager Rod Dunlop said the highly successful “Trade Pathways Program” for year nine students was introduced last year.
It aimed to give a taste of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive and agriculture/horticulture over the course of a year. Six partner schools are involved with 64 students – eight of which are female – taking up the program this year, he said.
Mr Dunlop said Warragul and District Specialist School approached the centre seeking a trade option for high functioning students one afternoon a week. As a result, the Special Trade Pathways Program was developed.
It caters for two groups of 12 students representing Warragul and District Specialist School, Warragul Regional College, Trafalgar High School, Drouin Secondary College and Baringa Special School, Moe.
The students, aged from year nine to 12, not only learn two trades but can mix with those from other schools.
Teacher aides from the schools attend to assist. They have been amazed at the transformation of students and new skills developed in just three months.
An example is the Baringa students travelling independently via train from Moe to Warragul.
Mr Dunlop said the hands-on approach and engaging staff was key to the program’s success.