Engineering traineeship scheme for school students in Kwinana unveiled

December 10, 1996

A new engineering traineeship program for high school students in the Kwinana region was launched today by Education Minister Colin Barnett.

Mr Barnett unveiled the program at the Kwinana Community Arts Centre.

He said that the Kwinana Industries Council's Engineering Traineeship would start early next year and provide 20 students with a two year engineering apprenticeship which satisfied SEA, TAFE and industry apprenticeship requirements.

The program will consist of two days per week on-the-job training with local industry and three days at school and TAFE studying vocational-related subjects.

"This exciting new program has the wholehearted support of the Kwinana Industries Council, the Australian Student Traineeship Foundation, seven local high schools, local industry, the Education Department and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry," Mr Barnett said.

"Its objective will be to foster stronger links between schools and the world of commerce and industry, providing students with a unique learning experience, combining schooling and on-the-job training."

Mr Barnett said that for the first time in Australia, young people participating in the two-year traineeship program would be paid for their training while being enrolled at school.

"The trainees will receive a training wage of about $75 per week, superannuation, workers' compensation and will be provided with safety gear, uniforms and other necessities," Mr Barnett said.

"Each of the 20 trainees selected have completed Year 10 and will complete their Western Australian Certificate of Education at Kwinana Senior High School during their traineeship."

Mr Barnett said that the trainees would spend 118 days at school, 41 days on work based learning, 41 days in industry work placements and 22 days at TAFE.

At the end of two years, the trainees would have a nationally recognised TAFE engineering production certificate, a completed engineering traineeship, at least one year's credit towards an apprenticeship, certification of secondary school graduation and access to a wide range of career opportunities.

Mr Barnett congratulated the Kwinana Industries Council, Alcoa, other local industry and the schools involved in the program. The schools are: Warnbro Community High School, Safety Bay Senior High School, Rockingham Senior High School, Kolbe Catholic College, Maranatha Christian Community School, Kwinana Senior High School and Hamilton Senior High School.

"This new program will bring great benefits to industry and the Kwinana community with a greater pool of motivated, aware and experienced people ready and available for full time work," Mr Barnett said.

"The new engineering traineeship program will enhance the education of many young people in the Kwinana region, give them an excellent insight into a range of careers and provide business with a welcome injection of enthusiasm and energy."

Media contact: Justine Whittome, (09) 222 9699.