More Queensland students set to get headstart on careers

More Queensland school students are set to give their careers a head start by undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship while studying at school.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today outlined how the Bligh Government plans to reach its ambitious target of 12,400 school-based apprenticeship and traineeship commencements in 2009.

“School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are a win-win for young people, their parents and employers,” Mr Welford said.

“School-based apprenticeships and traineeships give senior students the opportunity to work for an employer, train towards a recognised qualification, and complete their secondary school studies.

“In order to reach our target, $6.2 million is being allocated over three years to promote the benefits of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) and assist schools to meet expected increases in demand.

“Queensland leads the country in the uptake of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, with more than 40 per cent of all commencements occurring in our state.

“However, we are determined to encourage even more students, schools, training organisations and employers to get involved so we can increase that number.

“A new document I launched today, School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships: A Queensland Government Agenda identifies nine key strategies that will help us to reach our ambitious target.

“As part of this agenda, we will work even more closely with industries and employers to increase the uptake of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.”

Mr Welford said SATs offered enormous benefits to young Queenslanders as they pursued diverse education and employment opportunities.

“The combination of school, training and work gives students the chance to work towards an OP score and receive a qualification or skills that can count towards their Queensland Certificate of Education while getting paid hands-on experience in a workplace,” he said.

“Research shows that students who participate in SATs are more likely to be in full-time work or full-time study after completing Year 12 than other young people.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are available across a wide range of fields, from automotive to business and radio broadcasting to watchmaking.

The SATs gateway at www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au has more information for students, parents, employers, and schools.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000