A NEW school-based apprenticeship program will provide an opportunity for more young people in Warrnambool to work in the building and construction industry.
From early next year, students and employers, as well as the wider community, will benefit from Westvic Staffing Solutions and South West TAFE’s new school-based apprenticeship program in building and construction.
South West TAFE executive manager Paul Oprean said the program was a great opportunity for two locally-based organisations to work together.
“Westvic can provide access to employers and work placements through their networks, while South West TAFE provides the program structure and resources as well as access to high standard facilities,” Mr Oprean said.
“By working together, a more flexible structure and timetable can be introduced, which in turn will make the program available to a wider group of students.”
Participating students from years 10 to 12 will spend two days each school week learning construction skills at South West TAFE’s Warrnambool trade training facility, as well as receive on-the-job training with employers.
Westvic Staffing Solutions chief executive officer Miles Coverdale said students would acquire valuable employment skills including work expectations and responsibilities, and money management training.
“The school-based apprenticeship program will also provide a means for participants to begin trade training while employers get to trial a young person for one to two days each week, before either make a full apprenticeship commitment,” he said.
Students or host employers interested in becoming part of the new program should contact Westvic’s Brendan Hawkins on 0408 578 221 or Richard Snook from South West TAFE on 5564 8534.