There are plenty of opportunities on offer for young Queenslanders preparing to leave school this month as they consider their options next year.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman, today visited the award winning Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre (SCTTTC) at the Caloundra State High School, to promote the State Government’s new $32 million free apprenticeship initiative.
“We want young Queenslanders to get the skills and training they need for a successful career,” Ms Fentiman said.
“With graduation for thousands of our young high school student just around the corner, I would encourage them to consider the fantastic opportunities an apprenticeship can provide.
“Our free apprenticeships and free tafe initiatives have up to 172 courses on offer, including 139 apprenticeships and traineeships for FREE.
“And on the Sunshine Coast we have already assisted 182 young people to get their apprenticeship for free since July 1”.
“The facilities and world class teaching here at the SCTTTC is setting kids up for a bright future and helping them to gain a qualification before they walk out of the classroom.
“This is giving them a head start to take on further training and excel further in their careers.
“And it’s no surprise that Queensland is leading the way, with more than half of the nation’s school-based apprentices and trainees being right here in Queensland.”
The SCTTTC, founded in 2011 through a partnership between Beerwah, Caloundra, Kawana Waters and Meridan State Schools, has expanded to now serve about 180 students from about 35 schools.
The SCTTTC was Queensland’s representative at the Australian Training Awards 2018 and was named as one of the nation’s top three training facilities promoting VET as a viable pathway.
Caloundra SHS principal Julie Pozzoli said more than 500 employers from throughout the Sunshine Coast have hosted work experience students from SCTTTC, as the centre aimed to meet the skill needs of local businesses and industries.
“We appreciate the many vocational training opportunities for our students who are seeking viable career pathways to ensure they have the skill sets to be job-ready,” Ms Pozzoli said.
“Our centre has already been recognised by the local community as an authentic and meaningful learning environment for vocational education. Our programs are industry-driven to ensure our students graduate with increased employment prospects.”
Ms Fentiman said 94 per cent of SCTTTC’s graduates either gained employment or transitioned to further education or training opportunities last year.
“It is fantastic to see the success rate of SCTTTC graduates because we want more young Queenslanders to take up an apprenticeship or traineeship in the industries where we know there will be jobs and that’s what our free apprenticeships for under 21s initiative will do,” Ms Fentiman said.
The fully subsidised training is offered in 139 apprentice and traineeships in industries showing a high demand for workers including:
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Early childhood
