More South Australian high school students will be gaining vital trade experience and job skills as TAFE SA expands its new Multi-Trades Program from two to four sites this year.
Charles Campbell College and TAFE SA’s Mount Barker campus will now be running the popular program, which was run for the first time last year at TAFE’s Noarlunga and Tonsley campuses.
The Multi-Trades Program introduces students to a variety of trades through ‘taster’ training blocks where they learn basic skills and gain a greater understanding of work, before considering further training or an apprenticeship in a specific area.
Trades are grouped together in two different programs: Building and Construction covers carpentry, joinery, tiling and brick and block laying, while Engineering explores metal fabrication, metal work and welding.
Education Minister John Gardner said that the Government is determined to provide school students with every opportunity to develop the skills they need to get jobs.
“Demand for jobs with a VET qualification in South Australia is higher than ever, and our school students have unprecedented opportunities to get a head start in the workforce by commencing a vocational pathway while at school,” said Minister Gardner.
“The Marshall Liberal Government has a clear commitment to develop a strong VET system that is critical in developing the skills that South Australia needs, both for the jobs of today and the jobs of the future.
“We want to elevate the status of VET to be valued as an equal pathway, alongside University, for students seeking a productive and fulfilling career here in South Australia, and our renewed emphasis on VET is helping to drive interest and demand from school students in these trade areas.
“We are determined to support programs like this as early as possible in a student’s educational journey, so that students can get a taste of what is required in the workforce before they consider further training or an apprenticeship in a certain field.
“The expansion of the Multi-Trades program demonstrates that both schools and employers have renewed confidence in TAFE SA to deliver quality training that leads to jobs.
“We are delivering on our promise to deliver a fresh start for TAFE SA, as they remain focused on meeting the needs of both South Australians seeking the skills they need to build their careers and the local industry that is seeking a skilled workforce.”
