More students getting headstart on careers

More than 7000 students, mostly in Years 11 and 12, will get a headstart on their career next year by undertaking a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

Education and Training Minister said commencements of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships increased by 25 per cent in 2007, compared to the same period in 2006.

“Queensland also leads the country in the take-up of school-based apprenticeships or traineeships – more than 40 per cent of all commencements occur in our state,” Mr Welford said

“While this is a great achievement, we’re not about to rest on our laurels.

“In 2006, our Government set itself an ambitious target to double the number of students taking up apprenticeships and traineeships by December 2009, taking the total to 12,400 students.

“We are well on the way to achieving that target.”

Mr Welford said school-based apprenticeships and traineeships gave young people skills that prepared them for life after school.

“Participating in an apprenticeship or traineeships can really affect a student’s maturity because they are working and learning in an adult environment,” he said.

“Being paid also adds to their confidence and independence.

“Regardless of whether they pursue a job, university, TAFE or a trade career, they gain skills and personal attributes that make them more employable.

“Many young people who participate in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship are also more motivated at school.”

Mr Welford said the beginning of the new school year was an ideal time for students and their parents to consider taking on a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in 2008.

“Our survey of 2006 school-leavers found that young people who had participated in an apprenticeship or traineeship were more likely to be studying or in full-time work after they finished Year 12 than other young people,” he said.

“And apprenticeships or traineeships are not just for those students who don’t want to go on to tertiary study. The survey also found that more than one in eight young people who participated in apprenticeship or traineeship also went on to university.

“School-based apprenticeships and traineeships offer an excellent foundation for any career.”

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 32371000 or 0417 791 336