An Alternate Career Pathway

The SchoolTech program has proven to be a huge success in Far North Queensland, with students embracing the opportunity to get a head start on their career and ‘earn while they learn’, while addressing skills shortages at the same time.

The Cairns Regional Jobs Committee works to align training with skills needs, promote training and skills development for future jobs and collaborate with schools, TAFE, Universities and industry to achieve this. “We have the infrastructure in Cairns, especially in key industries of Marine and Aviation and through programs such as SchoolTech, we have the opportunity to grow our own workforce”, said Cairns RJC Chair, Jodie Duignan-George.

SchoolTech is an innovative, award-winning initiative between TAFE Queensland Cairns campus and Woree State High School. The program allows students to study for their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), as well as two Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications while at high school.

In addition to this, the SchoolTech program allows students to undertake work experience or a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship while studying at school, giving students the chance to develop real world skills. The program is designed to give students the skills needed get a head start in the workplace and for students to develop real world skills by completing work placements and/or securing an apprenticeship or traineeship as part of their high school studies.

SchoolTech acting head of department and Woree State High School Registered Training Organisation manager Harrison Dodd, said School Tech focuses on practical, hands-on learning, with students gaining skills that are directly applicable to local industry and employment.

“This practical experience makes them more employable and ready to contribute to the workforce,” he said.

“Unlike university programs that have theoretical components, SchoolTech emphasises applied knowledge. Students learn by doing, which is highly valuable in today’s job market. SchoolTech students earn a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and two Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.

“These dual qualifications improve their resume and demonstrate their versatility. Having both academic and vocational qualifications opens a wider range of career opportunities.  “Students can choose to enter the workforce immediately or continue their higher education later. Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom setting – SchoolTech offers alternative learning pathways for those who prefer hands-on experience, and it keeps them engaged in learning”.

Mr Dodd said students benefit from networking opportunities, guest speakers and exposure to the workplace.

“One stand-out benefit of SchoolTech is the opportunity to transition to an apprenticeship or school-based apprenticeship,” he said. “Essentially students can earn while they learn.”

Mr Dodd said the SchoolTech program is helping to address skills shortages through close collaboration with a number of key stakeholders including but not limited to TAFE Queensland, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, industry and employers and now the Cairns RJC, who want to engage more local businesses and industry to look at SchoolTech qualifications to fill skills shortages and grow their own workforce.

“This is achieved by upskilling students over the two-year program. A key benefit of the SchoolTech program is that students receive work–based learning opportunities,” Dodd says.

“Being out in industry twice a week working and learning is a huge advantage that SchoolTech students have. Work-based learning is an integral component to the program and has proven to upskill students in a shorter time frame than traditional schooling”.

“This program ultimately facilitates a heightened and more streamlined trade-focused learning, which in turn creates highly skilled and employable young adults. SchoolTech is working to help address the skills gap issues within the region which aligns perfectly with the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee’s (RJC) objectives.

Mr Dodd said since the program’s inception, there have been many instances of student success, with parents praising the program.

Cairns residents Fiona and Heath (surname withheld for privacy reasons) have had three children participate in the SchoolTech program.

“It is a wonderful pathway for those who want to work with their hands and seek another way to go through school education and leading to employment,” Fiona said. “From the practical subjects to sport, then moving on to the trade subject and learning, the students have the best of everything. Our youngest son is a third-year apprentice in plumbing all thanks to School Tech.

“Two days of school subjects, two days of work experience then a day’s trade suited him so much. We have one son who is a qualified electrician, he was the first to go through the program all those years ago.

“Our daughter is now a teacher’s aide, but the skills she learnt through carpentry helped with her being able to make furniture etc. for herself, and at one stage was event selling her pieces.

“We cannot speak highly enough about the program Carmel Iivonen (head of SchoolTech) and her team run. If you are a parent looking for another way to educate your child and they want to work with their hands in a trade, there are so many courses to pick from,” Fiona said.

Michael Goodrich from the Department of Education also applauded the initiative.

As the manager of the Regional School Industry Partnership Program Far North Queensland, Mr Goodrich’s role is to support state schools to increase student numbers.

“This program is unique to Far North Queensland and is a great way for students to learn in an adult study environment,” he said. “The program, which involves a combination of school subjects at TAFE Queensland and work experience, gives students in years 11 and 12 exposure to an industry environment in their chosen field.”

Mr Goodrich said the program gives students an increased focus on viable pathways, access to school-based apprenticeships and the ability for students to earn while they learn. He said it’s also an ideal way to address skills and labour shortages.

“There is a growing need in the Far North region to employ skilled employees, which has been identified across many different industries,” Mr Goodrich said. “I highly recommend SchoolTech, especially for those who are undecided about their future career path.”

SchoolTech is a three-part program encompassing a combination of work, school and TAFE Queensland.

While at school, students partake in four subjects – English, Maths, Social and Community Studies and Sports and Recreation. At TAFE Queensland, students can choose from a vast array of vocational training courses, including resources, infrastructure, construction, electrical, plumbing, maritime, and various engineering specialties, including automotive and diesel fitting.

For further information please visit: https://tafeqld.edu.au/information-for/school-students/schooltech

For media enquiries please contact:
Janelle Yarwood – Project Manager: Cairns Regional Jobs Committee (RJC)
P: 4031 1838
E: rjc@cairnschamber.com.au

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