Students at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech this joined in National Skills Week celebrations at a critical time for Australia's skills base.
An estimated 30 per cent of apprentices quit in their first year while only 50 per cent reach completion. In fact, Australia's apprenticeship numbers are at their lowest in more than a decade.
A group of grade 10 students from remote regions of Queensland experienced trade and technical training first-hand at SkillsTech this week.
The 10-week try-a-trade program rotates the 15-strong group of students through diesel fitting, welding, plastic welding, fabrication, gas fitting and electronics, followed by industry familiarisation, site tours and vocational placement components – giving them a head start for their future trade career.
The program is a result of collaboration with QMI Solutions and the cream of Australia’s CSG/LNG industry crop, namely Arrow Energy, Australia Pacific LNG, Queensland Gas Company and Santos GLNG Project.
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech Schools Unit project manager Robyn Fraser said the students are keen as mustard to take on this world-class training that will make them job ready.
“They’re coming to the end of week seven and everyone is so enthusiastic – they love it,” Fraser explained, adding passionate teachers contributed considerably to the cause.
“Our teachers are trade qualified and just love what they do – they fly-in, fly-out and teach face-to-face at central locations in Miles, Chinchilla and Roma.
At the end of week seven out of 10, the teachers have their last blocks with the students next week, followed by site tours and vocational placement in weeks nine and 10.
“It’s a great note to end on, because it makes the experience richer and more real for the students by reinforcing many of the skills covered and learnt with the teachers in the nine weeks prior,” Fraser said.
Arrow Energy vice president of Community and Sustainable Development Leisa Elder said she was proud Arrow could support programs like this, making a positive contribution to a safe environment for young people to try practical skills, especially during National Skills Week.
“As a key industry employer in the region, Arrow was keen to support this unique program which aims to broaden opportunities for young people in industry,” Elder said.
“It’s fabulous to be able to encourage young people and even promote gender equity in the workplace and respond to Queensland’s trade skills shortage."
National Skills Week ends on August 31, 2014.