New trades program launches this week to address region's apprentice shortage
Written by Shri Gayathirie Rajen - article originally published by Region Media here.
21 March 2023
Committee 4 Wagga and Training Services NSW have combined to launch the Made For A Trade Program for students in years 9 and 10 to learn more about trade roles. Photo: Andresr.
Committee 4 Wagga (C4W) and Training Services NSW have joined forces to launch a new trade program for students in Wagga.
Made For A Trade aims to address the shortage of apprentices in trades.
The program helps year 9 and year 10 students learn more about trade roles in the Wagga Wagga community through connections with local employers and practical activities.
C4W CEO Scott Sanbrook said the initiative would give students a greater understanding of trade roles and provide them with a pathway.
“One of the most important features of the program is that parents will be involved,” Mr Sanbrook said.
“C4W has identified the need for parents to be as informed as what the students are … that’s one of the driving forces.”
The idea for the program was initiated by C4W patron Kay Hull at the 2022 Business Summit.
Made For A Trade will be launched this week with an information evening for students who want to know more about a career in a trade, parents who want to help their child choose the right career, and employers who would like to create opportunities to engage with local students to find their next apprentice.
Mr Sanbrook said the evening would include several award-winning apprentices sharing their trade journey with the students and giving them an insight into the opportunities the pathway has created for them.
Parents and students can also meet tradespeople who have recently begun or finished their apprenticeship, discuss various trades with local business owners and speak with staff from local apprenticeship and traineeship organisations.
Mr Sanbrook highlighted the importance of programs such as Made For A Trade for Wagga students.
“It’s more important now than it has ever been, given the shortage of apprentices,” he said.
“We’ve had a number of our members who have made us aware that they have difficulty in sourcing apprentices.”
Attendance at the information evening is compulsory for acceptance into Made For A Trade.
The program will be launched on Thursday (23 March) in the Premier Room at The Mercure from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Click here to register for the event.
The information night will be followed by workplace visits, including completing a practical activity that gives students a taste of what trades are all about.
For more information, contact Stacey Suidgeest, senior project officer at Training Services NSW, on 0477 341 030 or at stacey.suidgeest@det.nsw.edu.au. Light refreshments will be available on the night.