Students across Dubbo will have more opportunities to gain workplace experience while they study as Skillset aims to dramatically increase its School2Trade program's intake by the end of the financial year.
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Skillset is set employ 45 school-based apprentices and trainees before June 30, to help skill shortages across the region and give year 10 and 11 students valuable, hands-on experience in the workplace.
With opportunities in industries like business, automotive, nursing, midwifery, allied health, horticulture and community services, successful applicants will complete one day of work per week for two years during the program.
They'll also earn a nationally-recognised qualification by the time they finish their HSC.
"By placing 45 high school students into school based apprenticeships and traineeships, we would see an increased uptake of 30 per cent across the region," Skillset general manager Jane McWilliam said.
"If we want young people to stay in our communities and develop their skills needed to address the skills shortages, then we need more employers to join the program".
Apprenticeships and traineeships are an important aspect of building a strong and effective workforce, Ms McWilliam said, as she urged local communities to support the program and help ensure its success.
"It's also important to educate parents and their children on the benefits of completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship," she said.
"Combining paid work with quality vocational education in a supportive workplace will provide the increase in skills, confidence and wellbeing for high school students to take their first step toward a rewarding career".
Skillset is calling for high school students across the Central West to apply for jobs on offer, as well as encouraging more organisations to join if they're able to host a candidate.
The new targets for the program come after it was officially launched in June last year to increase school-based apprenticeship and traineeship engagement.
More information is available on Skillset's website and interested students can also submit job applications for any school-based apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities too.
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