An increasing number of business owners across the Central Grampians are turning to work experience and work placements to identify secondary college students with industry potential.
According to data from Central Grampians LLEN, 151 local businesses are currently listed on a state-wide portal to provide young people with hands-on learning opportunities.
Executive Officer, Jane Moriarty said that in the past 12 months, five students had gained apprenticeships in Ararat and Stawell after taking part in Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) placements or work experience with local employers.
“With a number of industries experiencing statewide skills shortages, we have definitely noticed a rise in businesses finding future apprentices through work placement,” Ms Moriarty said.
“While the goal of SWL and work experience is to provide students with practical on-the-job experience, employers also benefit by being able to identify young people who have the attributes needed to succeed in their industries.
‘’In the past year, local students have gained apprenticeships in hairdressing, administration, and trades, all thanks to employers who have provided them with opportunities to show what they are capable of.”
Buloke Electrical owner, Dave Turner experienced the value of workplace learning firsthand, after an SWL placement led to him employing a full-time apprentice. It took just one week of hosting former Marian College student, Jed Murray for the qualified electrician to realise he would make a responsible employee.
“I realised pretty early on that Jed had good potential. He showed he was keen to learn, and I liked how he was always asking questions,” Mr Turner said.
“Jed’s family did a great job helping him to identify his interests and I’m happy that I can help set him up on a pathway that will allow him to pursue a career he enjoys.”
Jed said he had always been interested in a trade-based profession and was looking forward to continuing to progress his career.
“I like the physical work that’s involved in being an electrician, and I really enjoy moving around to different job locations. It’s a great job to have and I’m looking forward to getting my machinery operator tickets so I can expand my skills a bit more,” Jed said.
Adrian Couwenberg from Ararat Maintenance Plumbing also found his latest apprentice, Jayden Kobelt, through the SWL program. Jayden initially completed a four-day SWL placement which led to casual employment in the school holidays and, eventually, a full-time apprenticeship.
“The pre-apprenticeship skills Jayden gained from completing his VET course and his willingness to learn really stood out to me and he has definitely showed me the value of having an apprentice to help out with the busy workload of the business,” Mr Couwenberg said.
Business owners who are interested in hosting local secondary college students in their workplace can contact Central Grampians LLEN Partnerships and Pathways Coordinator, Nerissa Gee on 5352 3266 to learn more about the opportunities available.
For further information please contact:
Jessie Newton on 03 5352 3266 or email media@cgllen.org.au.
PHOTO: Buloke Electrical owner, Dave Turner with new apprentice Jed Murray and employee Ben Hall.