Extending career pathways to primary schools
Almost 50 º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Australian primary schools will take part in a new, industry supported, vocational education program this year, helping to develop career pathways for a new generation of children.
The program was first piloted at five schools last year but has now been expanded to see around 1500 students partner with up to 50 potential employers, including SA Power Networks and local councils.
Starting vocational education and training (VET) in primary schools to give students a passion for non-university pathways from a younger age is a focus of the $19 million Career Education and Pathways Strategy.
This innovative program helps prepare students for future career opportunities available to them, including trade pathways.
From term 2, twelve schools are enrolled in the program with students in years 4 to 6 working with seven industry partners on real-life problems that need a solution.
For example, students at East Adelaide School will be challenged to find ways to increase the linkage between parks in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters council to ensure safe wildlife movement between them.
Meanwhile, primary school students at Hallett Cove School and The Heights School will consider how to reduce power blackouts caused by bats landing on power lines.
Teachers are being provided with professional development and support throughout the term to help deliver the program with their classes.
The Heights School Assistant Principal Tarnya Adams said, here at The Heights School, we have four classes of year 6 students working on Problem Based Learning in Schools.
“Our school is working on a project with SA Power Networks (SAPN) to find a solution to an issue they are having with the bat colony in Botanic Park interrupting power across various parts of Adelaideâ€.
“Last term, the teachers were provided training about the project and in week 1 of this term students had a briefing from SAPN about the issue. The students have started mind mapping the Engineering Design Process by defining the problem and identifying the issues and are now in the research phase of this projectâ€.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students to think through real world problems, undertake research and work through the design processâ€.
“Our students are really enjoying this project so far and are looking forward to presenting their findings and solutions later this termâ€, said Ms Adams.
SA Power Networks Head of Organisational Capability Holly Waltham said, SA Power Networks is thrilled to be part of this program with the SA Government and The Heights School.
“As a big state employer, we are strongly focused on the early career talent pipeline and collaborating with Government and industry to collectively address future skills and workforce needsâ€.
“It is very exciting to support initiatives which align with organisational needs while also giving young º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Australians something to get excited about and aspire toâ€, Ms Waltham said.
Read more about education and employment pathways for school students.
