VET News

School to Work Transition Program Leads to Apprenticeship for Sunshine Coast Student

Brayden has earned a much desired apprenticeship with Australian Off Road at Bells Creek after completing the GenR8 program at St Johns College in Nambour last year.

The year-long program is for Year 12 students who want to enter the transport, logistics and supply chain (TL&SC) industry.

It provides opportunities for the students to identify employment options and pathways within businesses, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification and essential employability skills.

Year 12 graduate Brayden said the GenR8 program was perfect for him because he was able to get a head start on his trade qualification and gain valuable industry experience while he was still at school.

“I entered the program at the beginning of Year 12 and during Terms 2 and 3, I worked one day a week with my host employer Australian Off Road. I also completed my Certificate II in Logistics through SDS Training as part of the Year 12 program.

“I especially enjoyed going to work one a day a week, doing hands on work, learning a trade and working with the other staff at the workshop. I really like the electrical side of things as well as welding and fabrication.

“The GenR8 program paved the way for me to get the apprenticeship with Australian Off Road and when I finish my apprenticeship I will be a fully qualified Metal Fabrication Engineer. Best of all, even though I have just started my apprenticeship, I already have my Certificate II in Logistics and some great work experience,” Brayden said.

Australian Off Road’s Fabrication Manager Stuart Evans said participation in the GenR8 program was important for their business because it gave them an opportunity to access entry level workers who were motivated, had an interest in the industry and already had a taste of what working in the industry would be like.

“We offered Brayden an apprenticeship following the GenR8 program because he was motivated and willing to learn. I was impressed with his attitude and the pride he showed in his work. Brayden asked lots of questions and used his initiative which demonstrated his curiosity and interest in the work.

“The GenR8 program allows us to work with Year 12 students and find out whether they are interested in, and suited to an apprenticeship with us before making a commitment to take them on as an apprentice. It works in the same way for the students. They can try out working with us and learning new skills in a trade while they are at school before committing to an apprenticeship in a given area,” he said.

If you are interested in finding out more about school to work transition programs, contact the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training at the following email address  apprenticeshipsinfo@qld.gov.au

Date posted Jul 4, 2018