The transition from high school to the workforce is a critical time for school leavers. However, there is a way to make it easier, by utilising every avenue available during school, chances of success increase when it’s time to find a job.
One increasingly popular way that students are building workforce skills and networks with employers, is through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are a great option for students who are looking for to get their foot into the workplace door, while still at school.
Apprenticeship Support Australia Manager, Lena Constantine says her team have seen an increase in the number of students signing into a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship this year.
“Looking at our statistics for the financial year just closed, we saw a 14 per cent increase in students taking on a school-based traineeship, compared to last year,” says Constantine.
“More schools are increasing their flexibility with their timetabling so that their students can complete their WACE studies, as well as spend a day or two a week in the workplace doing a Certificate 2 qualification”.
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships give students the opportunity to learn skills in a real work environment and make an effective transition into post-school training or employment.
In order to commence a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship students must be aged 15 years or older and have their parent/guardian’s permission.
Their school must support and approve the training for the apprenticeship and traineeship to commence, and an employer, willing to train the student in their workplace, must be found.
Now is a good time for Year 10 students, parents and teachers to start thinking about whether a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship may be an option to consider for next year, prior to picking subjects and organising timetables for 2018.
For parents, students and businesses interested in obtaining more information about school-based apprenticeships or traineeships and what is available contact the Apprenticeship Support Australia team on 1300 363 831.
