Students engaged in hands-on work
Horsham College leaders hope to build on a successful pilot program that has set several disengaged students on hands-on career pathways.
The college partnered with Wimmera employment, education and training services provider Skillinvest to deliver the trades-based course for alternative program students.
The program is aimed at students aged 12 to 21 who have disengaged from mainstream education.
Assistant principal and head of alternative programs Adam Ross said Connect Ed focused on preparing students for post-school pathways, including further education and employment, through focusing on academic and social development.
He said Skillinvest’s multi-industry program allowed students to trial four trades – automotive, construction, building and engineering, or welding.
“The students had an opportunity to complete a certain number of vocational hours, which were counted towards their year 12 studies,” he said.
Mr Ross said 27 students started the program, with 10 participants clocking up enough hours to complete a unit.
“Others part-completed the unit, but everyone who took part got a lot out of it,” he said.
“The program is for a group of kids who are generally disengaged from school.
“Horsham College’s alternative programs generally have a 53 percent attendance rate. With the Skillinvest course, the attendance rate jumped to 65 percent.”
Mr Ross said the students had provided positive feedback about the program and enjoyed the opportunity to trial several different trades.
“The trainers are local tradespeople, which means they were able to talk about the industry and being employed in the region,” he said.
“It has also opened up opportunities for apprenticeships.”
Mr Ross said three students who completed the program had chosen to do Vocational Education and Training – VET – courses in either automotive or engineering next year. “It’s a great outcome,” he said. Mr Ross said Skillinvest procured State Government funding to run the pilot program.
“Skillinvest will apply for the same funding to run the course again next year,” he said.
“The students have to do their basic literacy and numeracy courses, but this trades program provides them with real-world experiences.
“We’re thrilled with the results so far and we want it to be an ongoing program.”