RECENT funding from the Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program will enable TAFE New England to employ an Aboriginal student as a school based apprentice.
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Any program that encourages permanent employment of students at the end of their HSC is encouraged within High Schools
- Adele Chapman-Burgess
The role on offer will include carrying out administration tasks while studying a Certificate II in Business.
A school-based apprentice or trainee may commence as early as year 10 and up to the beginning of year 11, with many of the qualifications available counting towards an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) for the HSC.
TAFE Institute Director Peter Heilbuth said that this funding does make it possible for a young Aboriginal student to start their career.
“We are delighted that with this support, a young Aboriginal student can start their prospective career and training with TAFE New England, while still completing their HSC,” he said.
TAFE New England Aboriginal Learning Circle Manager Shaun Allan said the funding creates a future divergent workforce.
“By employing a student under the Elsa Dixon Program, TAFE New England is contributing to the diversity of our workforce,” he said.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the funding will give young Aboriginal people the foundation on which to base their career and provide a successful transition into the workforce
“In addition it will promote diversity, innovation and community links within the NSW workforce by breaking down barriers to employment and promotion for young Aboriginal people,” he said.
Aboriginal Educational Team Leader Adele Chapman-Burgess said that any financial help for student programs would be welcomed by educators and students.
“Any program that encourages permanent employment of students at the end of their HSC is encouraged within High Schools,” she said.
“This program is especially good because of its focus on outcomes at the end of a student’s High School academic journey and the incentive of employment it offers means it has to be beneficial for students to undertake.
“Our team will be looking to apply for a grant through this program as it promotes innovation which should be applauded and our vocational department would welcome this program in our school.”
TAFE New England said School-based traineeships and apprenticeships are available in most trade and industry areas.