Regional Director of Education for Western NSW, Carole McDiarmid, had expressed pleasure at last week’s announcement that local public secondary schools have joined forces with local employers to ensure a continuing flow of skilled workers for industry.

The expansion of the program was announced by member for Macquarie Bob Debus.

Mrs McDiarmid yesterday praised the Bathurst electorate School Education Group School Industry Links Program which now benefits students at Portland Central, Lithgow High, Oberon High and Denison College of Secondary Education Bathurst High and Kelso High campuses.

“All public secondary schools in the Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon and Portland area can now access the school industry links program following the success of the pilot project initiated by Portland Central,” Mrs McDiarmid said.

“The first intake enjoyed 100 per cent success.

“Nine participants are employed full-time in industry, one continues in the program and two used their experience to refine their career options for the future.

“This school industry links program is considered particularly beneficial for maintaining student engagement and retention to Years 11 and 12.

“Industry sees it as a skills incubator.

“The model provides potential future employees with experience up to entry level employment standard.

“Students have the opportunity to try a variety of industry settings before they commit to a specific industry.

“Local industries have seen the results of the dedicated students entering their industries with more commitment and less chance of ‘dropping out’ of apprenticeships.

“This is a mutually beneficial program for both industry and students who gain an apprenticeship at the completion of the program will be able to commence their TAFE training as a second year apprentice.”

Mrs McDiarmid said the expansion of the Bathurst School Education Group School Industry Links Program to cover a wider area of the Central Tablelands has been successful with 19 students and 18 employers participating in the program.