A group of Mackay students considering a trade pathway after school have swapped the books for brake lights thanks to the Palaszczuk Government's Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP).
The program connects Queensland school students to industry partners from 10 major sectors, including advanced manufacturing, health and building and construction to minerals, energy and screen and media.
Visiting Pioneer State High School today, Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer announced $7.65 million in funding to continue the successful program as part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"GISP builds partnerships between schools and industry to help students gain valuable skills and experience before they leave the classroom," Minister Farmer said.
"This is a program that's given thousands of Queensland students the opportunity to explore their career choices while still at school and learn from leaders in their chosen field.
"It is tried and true because we know if you get the right training, you're more likely to get the right job.
"Extending GISP means more opportunities for Queensland students to develop the skills and experience that will help them make decisions about their career and further education."
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said 10 organisations would share in the $7.65 million investment, including the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council, Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).
"QMEA has done a brilliant job putting together the Oresome Trade Camp here at Pioneer State High School," she said.
"We have 14 Year 10 and 11 students from Pioneer, Mackay Northern Beaches and Sarina State High Schools learning how to make a model car, complete with working headlights, brake lights and indicators.
"QMEA industry mentors and apprentices are talking to the students about the safety and performance expectations of employers in the resources sector, which I think is invaluable for setting these students up for success beyond the classroom.
"Not only does this program benefit students, it also benefits the sectors and communities who need to retain skilled local workers like ours."
Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council Ian Macfarlane said he applauded the State Government for continuing this vital program that links industry with school students.
"The resources sector is facing major skills shortages in critical areas such as engineering and trades, and I know other industries are facing the same problem," Mr Macfarlane said.
"GISP is a very successful program that helps open students' eyes to many careers they might not have considered, especially female and Indigenous students."
Minister Farmer said the program's extension was a strong endorsement of the innovative projects delivered by industry partners.
"When this program started 15 years ago, we had 42 schools involved," Minister Farmer said.
"We now have over 270 Queensland schools participating across the ten priority industries, advancing the careers of Queensland students and keeping more jobs local.
"I thank all our industry partners and schools for working together to deliver programs that give Queensland students a great start to their career."
FUNDED ORGANISATIONS:
- Advanced Manufacturing – QMI Solutions
- Aerospace – Aviation Australia
- Agribusiness – Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Building and Construction – Construction Skills Queensland
- Community Services – National Disability Services
- Health – CheckUP Australia
- Information and Communication Technology – Australian Computer Society
- Minerals and Energy – Queensland Resources Council
- Screen and Media – Essential Crew
- Tourism and Hospitality – Queensland College of Wine Tourism
