Released 21/11/2022 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is encouraging more Canberra students to consider Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbAs) to complement their studies, help them build rewarding careers and meet Territory skills needs.
Head Start, a 2020 ACT Labor election commitment, launched this year to provide more flexible, tailored ASbAs that match a student’s job interests with a local business in need of skilled workers.
ASbAs are on the rise in ACT schools, with 570 students starting an apprenticeship in 2022 across a range of courses. The summer break now gives more ACT students the chance to consider starting an ASbA when they return to school in the new year.
Minister for Education Yvette Berry said students are embracing the opportunities that ASbAs offer.
“The ACT Government is committed to providing world class education and training through our Vocational Education and Training (VET) system,” Minister Berry said.
“This will help young people to enter the sectors they are interested in and give them greater employment opportunities.
“An ASbA fits into a student’s school study program and can count towards their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate.”
Minister for Skills Chris Steel said ASbAs give students meaningful, hands-on experience across a range of industries.
“An ASbA offers students, aged 15 or over, the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised vocational qualification by combining paid work and structured off-the-job training, while continuing their school education,” Minister Steel said.
“Students can earn while they learn and can kick-start a career in industries such as building and construction, hairdressing, retail, information and communication technology, aged care, early childhood education and care, and hospitality.
“In some instances, particularly in traditional trades, students may start an ASbA while at school and transition into a full-time apprenticeship on completing Year 12, giving them a head start towards a qualification.
“Importantly, some of these trades will offer students the opportunity to work on some of our major infrastructure projects, like the future northside hospital, new CIT or light rail to Woden."
Earlier this year, the ACT Government launched Skilled to Succeed – a skills and workforce agenda for the ACT. Through this strategy the government will continue to support young people to combine training with their core education.
Students interested in studying an ASbA are encouraged to speak to their careers adviser or find out more information at act.gov.au/skills/students/starting-an-apprenticeship-at-school.
Quotes attributable to Hannah Holford, 2021 ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year and 2021 Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year:
“During Year 10, I was offered the chance to get involved in a school-based apprenticeship at a nursing home. I’m keen to use my youth to brighten the lives of elderly residents and the ASbA has given me that opportunity while increasing my awareness of issues in the lives of the elderly.
“The training helped me feel more confident and comfortable in the workplace. It was delivered by people with real industry experience – which makes their knowledge authentic, relevant and relatable.”
Quotes attributable to Josh Haynes, 2022 ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year:
“I checked out the Certificate III in Plumbing at CIT, and quickly discovered one of the main benefits of being an apprentice plumber – learn while I earn.
“I knew that by doing an apprenticeship and studying through CIT, I’d have access to all the latest skills, knowledge and training techniques and have a great pathway to a job. I may even be able to own my own business one day.”
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases