The Youth WorX NT Centre is a concept developed by the NT Industry Training Bureau (NTITB) in partnership with Group Training NT.
NTITB comprises Training Advisory Councils for Business Retail and Information Technology, Transport Engineering and Automotive, and Major Industries.
The proposed Youth WorX NT Centre seeks to add to services previously provided by the VET in Schools Work Placement Centre. An expanded range of services will complement the work of existing stakeholders involved in school and career transition, youth services, careers education and school-based VET programs, addressing unmet needs among youth aged 15-24.
Based in a youth-friendly environment, the centre will coordinate a range of education, employment and training referral services, assisting young people, families, schools and employers to more easily navigate the complex range of choices and organisations involved.
The feasibility study investigated the opportunities for a 3-year pilot for the establishment and operation of the proposed centre. Funds are currently been sought to start the pilot.
WORKREADY PROGRAM
School students at Casuarina Senior College, Sanderson, Palmerston and Taminmin high schools now have an additional pathway to help them transition from school to work.
Funded by the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) and in partnership with the schools involved, Group Training NT, local businesses and industry, the Workready Program has been expanded from two Darwin high schools in 2005 to four in 2006.
The Workready Program won the Bill Mclaren VET in Schools Excellence award at the DEET Northern Territory Vocational Training Awards in 2006.
Workready is a school to work transition program that aims to assist and encourage year 11 and 12 school students to undertake in structured vocational education and training (VET) that leads to School Based Apprenticeships (SBA) and hopefully, an ongoing apprenticeship.
In addition to studying year 11 subjects at school two days per week, participating students also undertake industry specific VET training for one day per week and on-the-job training with a host employer for two days per week. On completion of year 11, students can undertake their Workready Program during year 12. Where possible, Workready training is linked to skill shortage areas, thereby maximizing students’ employment prospects.
Preparation for the world of work includes students undertaking a Senior First Aid course and Driver Training and Licensing program as well as enrolling in year 11 Maths, English and Work Studies.
Year 10 students who have satisfied the necessary selection criteria for inclusion in the Workready Program and want to pursue VET pathways to employment in year 11, can prepare by undertaking a two day work preparation program and completing competencies from the Certificate 1 in Employment Skills.
In 2006 and 2007, the Workready Program will work with around 100 year 10, 11 and 12 students who have shown a commitment to undertaking VET and a ASBA.
Call your nearest GTNT office now, for more information.
