Phase Two of the STEMship™ Program recently saw 16 students graduate with 2017 apprentice-specific enterprise skills. STEMship™ is a Hunter based program developed in 2016 by RDA Hunter, the Department of Industry – Training Services NSW and delivered by Hunter TAFE. In 2017, the Program is being coordinated and delivered by RDA Hunter and funded by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
STEMship engaged 18 students from across the region in a 17 week program aimed at equipping them with STEM and enterprise skills in readiness for jobs in Hunter industry. The 2017 Program saw a re-focus on student’s commercial awareness, creative and innovative thinking, problem solving, communication, negotiation and persuasiveness skills combined with STEM based technical skills.
44% of students were offered apprenticeships within 2 months of completing the program, 44% of students have moved on to further VET study, while all other students have applications in with industry to commence apprenticeships in 2018. Hunter companies offering apprenticeships, traineeships and employment to date include Varley Group, Glencore, Trend Electrical, UAVAir Pty and Maitland Sheet Metal.
Hunter Industry embraced the Program with Colin Williams from Jetstar saying “It is opening doors to students and gives companies a ‘try before you buy’ option, students and companies get the chance to see the other in the work environment and ensure it is a good fit.” Shane Snook from Downer saying “(STEMship provides) Great value in recruiting suitable candidates for apprenticeships” and Jan Dobbie – Varley Group, “[STEMship is] highly useful. In this particular case it is likely one or even both students may pick up an apprenticeship as a direct result.”
While parents of students agree,
“I must admit (in the beginning) I was nervous about placing Sam into a program that I knew little about. However it has to be said that it has been exceptional. The STEMship program has equipped him with new skills to move forward into the workforce with confidence.
He has forged new relationships with the other students as well as the teachers at TAFE and thoroughly enjoyed his work placement with Varley.
We are both over the moon with the offer of an apprenticeship with Varley. He is very grateful and knows he is in a very privileged position.Thank you for being a great role model and mentor of the program.” Felicity Maljers
For more information contact RDA Industry Development Officer, Mr Rick Evans at rick.evans@rdahunter.org.au or 0434 489 609.