Fifteen Indigenous high school students from the Western Downs will gain on-the-job skills and qualifications under a new Arrow Energy training program launched today.
The program, a partnership between Arrow, All Trades Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos, offers traineeships and apprenticeships for students in years 11 and 12.
Six placements have already been filled by students from Dalby State High School, Harristown State High School and Centenary High School Toowoomba.
“Arrow is committed to supporting employment, training, education and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Arrow CEO Andrew Faulkner said.
“We initially ran this program in Brisbane last year to support Indigenous youth at a key stage of their learning and development.
“I’m thrilled that we have now extended into the Western Downs to support local students on their career journeys.”
The program was launched at Dalby State High School Bunya Campus this afternoon by Mayor Ray Brown, Western Downs Regional Council.
It provides work placements at local businesses that match the student’s interest. At the end of the program they will gain a nationally recognised Certificate II or III qualification, with all costs covered by Arrow. The students also receive mentoring support from the Brisbane Broncos.
Arrow has gone one step further, providing a work placement at its research farm. Ally Engle, a Year 12 student from Dalby State High School with a keen interest in agriculture, has been learning the ropes from Arrow’s staff at Theten.
“We’re delighted that Ally is working with our Theten team where we use innovations in research to demonstrate how Arrow can coexist with the agricultural industry,” Mr Faulkner said.
“Ally has just graduated from year 12 at Dalby State High School and it’s with great pleasure I can announce that Arrow will be offering Ally a 12 month full-time agricultural traineeship on our Theten farm next year.”
All Trades Queensland General Manager Justin Playle said the remaining nine placements would be filled in 2015.
“The program is a great opportunity for ambitious students to experience the workforce and earn vocational qualifications at the same time,” Mr Playle said.
“All Trades Queensland makes sure students are fully supported by assisting with pre-employment preparation, ongoing mentoring and off-the-job training.”
The apprenticeships and traineeships are open to students across the Western Downs including Dalby, Miles, Chinchilla, Oakey, Roma, Tara and Toowoomba.
To apply, students should contact their school careers officer. Potential host employers can contact: Wayne Smith, Project Coordinator and Mentor, All Trades Queensland, 07 3806 1120, 0413 055 338 or [email protected]
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