Local Aboriginal school students are getting a kick-start to their careers through our automotive program.
- Aboriginal year 11 and 12 students from schools across Perth’s metro area were selected to participate.
- Developed by our Koolark Centre for Aboriginal Students and the Jobs and Skills Centre, in consultation with industry and schools, the training program aims to inspire disengaged Indigenous youth, offering them an insight into gaining an apprenticeship.
- The Public Transport Authority, the Rotary Club of Swan Districts and Ballardong Medical supported and funded this pilot program.
Richard Watson from our Jobs and Skills Centre believes this program will help disengaged youth consider a trade career.
“The ultimate aim will be to get at least a handful of these students into a traineeship or apprenticeship,” says Richard.
Students will graduate from this program with their Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20716), for many this will be their only qualification upon finishing high school.
The program equips them with hands-on, practical automotive skills that they can use throughout their careers, but also important life skills and an understanding of the responsibilities involved in the adult work environment.
“This program really is a life changing moment for these kids,” says Richard. “By putting the work in now, they are setting themselves up for the rest of their lives.”
“Hopefully when we’re running this program next year, we’ll have one or two of these students back here as role models. They’ll be able to speak to the next group of students and inspire them.”
As part of the initiative, industry representatives regularly visit the students to chat to them about the apprenticeship, traineeship and career opportunities available to them if they continue with their training journey.
Jobs and Skills Centre staff also provide resume support, job application writing tips and interview preparation, to ensure the students are job ready.
Check out the students in action by watching our video above. To find out more about the program and how to get involved, contact NMTAFE’s Jobs and Skills Centre on 9233 1738.