Ipswich State High nails top spot with training

Ipswich State High School continues its proud history as Queensland’s top provider of vocational education and training (VET).

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman visited the school today to speak with students about the opportunities ahead of them once they finish school later this year.

“We know nine out of 10 jobs expected to grow in the next five years will require a VET qualification,” Ms Fentiman said.

“And as students near graduation it’s important they consider their career options once they walk out of the classroom.”

“In August the Premier and I announced free apprenticeships for under 21s which builds on our free tafe for year 12 graduates initiative.”

“All of these free qualifications on offer are in the industries where we know there will be jobs.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said Ipswich SHS had the largest number of students enrolled in a VETiS course last year.

“This is a great achievement and it will mean students will have a bright future ahead of them,” Mr Madden said.

“We need more skilled workers in the growing industries such as healthcare and trades, and I encourage Ipswich students to consider TAFE once they graduate.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the Queensland school with the second highest number of enrolments in a VETiS course for 2018 was Bremer SHS.

“It’s fantastic to see Ipswich is home to the top 2 schools in Queensland with the highest number of students enrolled in a VET qualification.”

“This means more young people in Ipswich are gaining a valuable qualification before they even finish school.”

Ipswich State High School Principal Simon Riley said the school offered about 30 certificate courses to its 840 students in Years 10,11 and 12 and those from other schools.

“We are the only school in Australia with a retail trading outlet, at our Hair and Beauty salon, where students gain real industry experience while working on paying clientele,” Mr Riley said.

“As a school of excellence in hair and beauty local employers seek out our students.”

Minister Fentiman said the government wants more young Queenslanders to take up an apprenticeship or traineeship in the industries there will be jobs.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s new $32 million free apprenticeship initiative is tipped to help 60,000 young people into an apprenticeship or traineeship,” she said.

“So far more than 12,000 young Queenslanders are taking advantage of free training under these two initiatives.”

The fully subsidised training is offered in 139 apprentice and traineeships in industries showing a high demand for workers including:

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Early childhood

For more information www.qld.gov.au/freeapprenticeships

Free apprenticeships hotline 1800 210 210

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Inga Williams                            0439 949 719