Building new blocks for their future
Building new blocks for their future
June 25, 2009
Section: Live & learn
JENNA THOMPSON
YEAR 10 students at Lake Illawarra High School need not be worried about career options should they choose to leave at the end of the year with the help of a new job skills program.
Careers advisor Alison Langham explained that there was a group that was missing out in terms of being equipped with skills when they left school.
“Forming a work skills program like this gives them skills to access jobs in a more confident and employable way,” Alison said.
“For example we’ve had a number of different businesses such as K.J. Industrial Scaffolding, coming in to talk to the students about what employers are looking for and so on. But we’ve also been visiting the TAFE colleges as some students who wish to continue to Years 11 and 12 can still access industry training through the TVET courses.”
Mick Power of Australian Industry Group Training said that programs such as this are a great incentive for students to be better prepared before they leave school.
“What we’re trying to get across to the students is what it is employers are looking for, what I’m looking for in the recruitment process and how I cull 100 applicants down to seven positions for example,” Mr Power said.
Tony Bale of K.J. Industrial Scaffolding said that it is a great idea to introduce students early so that they can get a taste of what to expect.
Year 10 student Ryan Hunt said that the program has given him more confidence.
“They’re telling me a lot about how to go about getting a job and I feel like I know what to do now when the time comes where I want to get out there and find a job,” Ryan said.
