Tasmania’s School-Based apprenticeship program is helping lift the State’s retention rates, according to Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett.
Speaking on Tuesday at the graduation of eight Tasmanian apprentices and trainees in Hobart, Mr Bartlett said the program was a shining example of how young Tasmanians can complete their senior secondary education while having the benefit of learning on the job.
“In early 2004, 13 Year 11 students from around the State started school-based apprenticeships in automotive trades,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Work & Training employed the trainees and they were hosted by various automotive employers around the State. Eight of these school-based apprentices completed their year 11 and/or 12 and went onto a full-time apprenticeship.
"In 2008, these apprentices are now completing their trade qualification. Seven out of the eight young people are still with the same business and some continue to be employed through Work & Training.”
Mr Bartlett said improving our retention rates was vital for Tasmania to realise its potential in a globalised, creative and innovation-based economy.
Currently 86% of jobs in Australia require a post-school qualification – in Tasmania only 47% of the workforce has that level of qualification, Mr Bartlett said.
“We know for every year we can add to the average level of educational attainment by young Tasmanians, we will add eight per cent productivity to the Tasmanian economy. Programs such as the School-Based apprenticeship program are a great way of providing important skills to students while they are still at school.”
Mr Bartlett said the benefits of the school-based traineeship and apprenticeship program included the fact that young people are able to start their career at the same time as completing their education.
“Entrants to the industry have the best school subjects for the industry and can progress quickly through their VET qualification, and employees have the educational skills to progress their career path.”
Mr Bartlett congratulated the Tasmanian businesses that have employed school-based apprentices and continued to employ them as full-time apprentices until they have completed their trade qualifications.
“These are very innovative businesses and show they are ‘employers of choice’ by participating in this program,” Mr Bartlett said.
“In particular, Work & Training is to be congratulated on the organisation of the initial school-based program back in 2004-05.”
