Expanding vocational learning in Tasmanian schools
The Tasmanian Government’s Youth Career Facilitator Pilot will soon be expanded into the north of the State providing Year 9 and 10 students in secondary schools with more vocational learning opportunities as part of the Youth Jobs Strategy.
The Youth Career Facilitator Pilot provides support to students and teachers by working with peak industry bodies, the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and service providers like Beacon Foundation and the Regional Jobs Hub, to provide young people with first-hand experiences of the world of work.
Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis, said young Tasmanians deserve the smoothest possible pathway from school into the workforce.
“The first phase of the pilot in the North West successfully delivered vocational experiences for students by matching their interests with industry needs,” Minister Ellis said.
"This includes preparing young people for apprenticeships and careers in high demand industries, such as construction, tourism and hospitality, the care sector, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“Our Government is building on the success of the Youth Career Facilitator Pilot by expanding it statewide next year, starting with the North in term one of the 2025 school year."
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the North West pilot demonstrates the value of a genuine broker supporting schools in partnering with local industries and businesses, as well as supporting the needs of students with meaningful vocational experiences to develop their skills and confidence.
“Investing in vocational learning bolsters the Tasmanian economy by building a skilled workforce and it can also support engagement with education by giving our young people a reason to attend school and learn,” Minister Palmer said.
“The new Youth Career Facilitators play a key role in connecting schools and young people with local industry and businesses.
“The pilot supports young people to build their understanding of career pathways for senior secondary schooling and beyond.”
Currently 20 per cent of senior secondary students study VET at Tasmanian Government schools.
The collaboration across the Department of State Growth and the Department for Education, Children and Young People to deliver the Youth Jobs Strategy is supported by the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and will target a 50 per cent increase of senior secondary students undertaking VET programs by 2030.