13 February 2019

80 Macksville High School Year 9 students began a three-day hands-on learning adventure with TAFE NSW today, to broaden their knowledge on different industries and help boost their employability after school.

TAFE NSW has partnered with the Department of Premier and Cabinet to deliver the MySkills Employability Pilot Program, a comprehensive program that makes learning fun while exposing students to potential career paths. Local employers and community agencies are also involved as guest speakers and assisting with teaching.

The pilot will extend to Nambucca Heads High School next week, from 20 to 22 February, with 80 of its students. 21 Bowraville Central School students will join them in receiving the customised on-premises training delivery.

The course components over the three full days per location include robotics coding, designing and developing a product, drone flying, servicing and maintain a truck, exploring bush tucker, preparing food, manufacturing and marketing a product, suturing fake skin and constructing a functioning plumbing system.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher, Career Pathways, Aboriginal Language and Employment, Jillian Ashley, says, “TAFE NSW is proud to partner with Macksville High School and the Department of Premier and Cabinet to deliver this fantastic program.”

“It will bring local students eye-opening learning experiences relevant to their potential future careers, it will build their confidence around employment pathways and it will nurture their job aspirations.”

“Throughout, TAFE NSW trainers will offer a wide range of experiential activities that deliver practical skills and experience on a platter to scores of Year 9 students who will soon choose their after-school life path. Crucially, relevant local business and community support representatives will provide input in each activity.

“We have made the course content fun and interactive to keep students fully engaged. It’s something TAFE NSW is well-known for – providing real-world experiences and training that make people job-ready.

“We hope it helps give them a better understanding of industry sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, marketing and technology so they can make an informed choice about what further study and/or jobs they want to secure in future. We want them to realise how important it is to be armed with employability skills and to start connecting with local businesses that may become their future employer.

“In a competitive local job market, it is vital for young people to make sound career decisions. They need to possess the right tools, skills and knowledge to impress employers, to gain a positive employment outcome. It’s really important for them to start early in striving towards this goal.”

Macksville High School Careers Advisor Laura Peisley said, “Bringing industry to school is an incredible way to ensure all students can access information and experience in vocations they may never have contemplated.”

“Making these opportunities available and developing students’ enterprise skills in Year 9 is a perfect way to prepare for subsequent career decision making processes over the following years such as Year 10 work experience, HSC subject selection and tertiary pathways.”

For more information on TAFE NSW customised training face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au.

Media contact: Kristy Sheppard, TAFE NSW Media & Communications Business Partner, 4923 7784 or 0407 450 860.