12 November, 2020

A landmark program aimed at giving local high school students a “taste test” of the trades at TAFE NSW continues to enjoy remarkable results, with six out of the 10 recent participants at West Wyalong landing apprenticeships.

The NSW Government Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) aims to strengthen ties between local industry and high schools, supporting students to plan their future career path.

As part of RIEP, TAFE NSW West Wyalong hosted a group of 10 West Wyalong High School students last year for a five-week crash course in welding.

Incredibly, six of the 10 students have since secured welding apprenticeships.

One of those students was Logan Collins, who is about to complete his first year as an apprentice with Renrow Steel in West Wyalong.

“This course was the reason I’m in the job I am now,” Logan, 17, said.

“It was great to learn what welding was all about and the TAFE NSW teacher really knew his stuff and how to explain it.”

Renrow Steel owner Grant Worner, whose business employs five TAFE NSW graduates, said the RIEP course provided an ideal gateway for young people to find their career calling.

“It gives them an opportunity to experience a trade before making a commitment and, as a business owner, it’s great to know that experience is available to young people,” Mr Worner said.

Another RIEP welding program commenced at TAFE NSW West Wyalong last month and Head Teacher of Metal Fabrication and Welding Mark Silk said he was hoping for similar success to the last program.

“It’s a way to trigger interest in a trade and give students some idea of what the industry is all about,” Mr Silk said.

“It’s all about giving students the hands-on skills to build their confidence and consider pursuing further study.”

As part of the course, a hi-tech virtual welding simulator will be available for students to use.

To find out more about studying at TAFE NSW West Wyalong, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner, 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428.