AS hundreds of the region’s Year 12 students are completing the HSC and considering what to do next, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is urging young people to consider vocational training as the first step on the path to a long, rewarding career.
“Vocational skills are always in demand – from construction to plumbing to computing, there’s a huge variety of skills you can learn that will set you up for a rewarding career,” Mr Marshall said.
“I know local employers need more people trained in areas like aged care and health, technology and mechanics. These are the kinds of areas of training that will prepare people for the jobs of the future, and help ensure our region keeps moving.
“Learning a trade is also a great way to get involved in the state government’s multi-million dollar infrastructure program in our region.
“The NSW Government is investing to help people take advantage of the great opportunities presented by vocational training.”
From 2016, the NSW Government is investing in a range of initiatives to make it easier for young people to access high quality training that will help them get a good job, including:
200,000 fee-free scholarships with priority for people living in, or on the waiting list for, social housing;
- A cap on traineeship fees of $1,000;
- $10 million investment to “try before you buy” through free pre-traineeship and pre-apprenticeship courses – funding 2,000 places, particularly for 2015 school leavers;
- $25 million to deliver 25,000 scholarships to students enrolling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related vocational qualifications;
- $10 million investment for an additional 2,000 places for students to train for jobs to support the delivery of the National Disability Insurance Scheme;
- Free vocational education and training, for qualifications on the NSW Skills List, for people with a disability, regardless of whether it is a first or subsequent qualification.
“Especially as students in the Northern Tablelands complete the HSC exams and start thinking about what to do next, I’d encourage school leavers to take up the opportunities presented by a vocational qualification,” Mr Marshall said.