08 Sep 2022
A new vocational education pilot program is giving secondary school students a taste of working life and for some, like Wanniassa School’s Charlie Steer, it’s opening his eyes to new possibilities.
The Year 10 student has recently completed work experience with panel beating and restoration company Hume Bodyworks as part of the ACT Government’s Head Start Pilot Program that facilitates practical learning experiences and long-term employment opportunities for its participants.
“It’s a good way to see a wider version of the world and see what I want to do and go into. It’s more about experimenting and seeing what I may be able to turn into a future career.”
Charlie joins other young people this year taking part in the tailored Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) program that provides increased school-based apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for public school students. Charlie and other students in the program will begin their ASbA in term 4 this year.
Head Start is addressing current workforce shortage issues, with student places focussing on ACT skills needs, local industry workforce needs and industry sectors targeted for future growth.
Eight employers across five industries have committed to employ 14 students under the first cohort of the pilot. Industries include hospitality, automotive trades, light automotive, construction/carpentry, and light metal fabrication. Pre-vocational training takes place at Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
The Head Start program differs to normal ASbA programs in that it provides some additional supports for students to ensure a successful transition into employment and training. The dedicated support team includes a career coach, industry coordinator, social work and ASbA liaison team. This will include access to tailored support and mentoring for students and their employers.
Several of the Head Start places will be prioritised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students with a disability, and young people that may be at risk of disengaging from education or employment, to ensure all students can access and participate in the program.
The three-year $2.206m Head Start Pilot Program is delivered under the second phase of the Future of Education Strategy and is focussed on facilitating quality on-job learning experiences and long- term employment opportunities for participants.
Check out more about Head Start and other Careers and Vocational Pathways