Departmental Media Release
9 August 2001
Darwin businesses were today told how they could join 50,000 businesses around Australia that are already reaping the rewards of inviting enthusiastic young people to participate in their workplaces.
Speaking at the Go Career seminar in Darwin this morning, Northern Territory State Office Manager for the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Mr Greg Gibbs, explained to Northern Territory businesses how they could benefit from training high school students in the workplace through Enterprise and Career Education programmes.
"Today’s seminar has featured businesses and students who have participated in the programmes and derived the benefits from them," said Mr Gibbs.
"Enterprise and Career Education prepares students for life after school and presents them with post-school options including work, further education and training.
"It allows young people to gain up-to-date information about career choices giving them every opportunity to make an informed decision about their future.
"Businesses who help our young people now are helping themselves by building and maintaining a competitive workforce with an improved skill base.
"Young people who participate in Enterprise and Career Education are better trained and better motivated to meet the needs of business."
Mr Gibbs said Enterprise and Career Education programmes such as vocational programmes in school, work placements, New Apprenticeships in school or career advice are a common feature of senior schooling.
"It is evident that students gain invaluable experience from work-based training and the opportunity to experience ‘real work’ offered under the Go Career initiative. This is illustrated in the recent report School Innovation: Pathway to the Knowledge Society," said Mr Gibbs.
In March, Dr David Kemp, the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs launched the Enterprise and Career Education Foundation (ECEF) as a way of supporting partnerships between schools and industry by more effectively linking them with the community. The Howard Government has allocated funding of about $100 million for ECEF.
Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms Carole Frost, emphasised the importance of the Go Career initiative as a way for businesses to ensure they secure a motivated and skilled workforce for the future.
"The Go Career initiative also provides structure to many Enterprise and Career Education activities that industry has been involved in for many years," said Ms Frost.
"Giving young people the chance to experience ‘real work’ in the ‘real world’ enables them to experience a variety of tasks within an industry of their choice building confidence and providing direction for their future.
"By working with local schools and offering work place training for high school students, businesses can play a vital role in preparing young people for the transition from school to work and businesses will benefit through gaining a competitive workforce in an increasingly competitive global market."
Mr Gibbs thanked those Northern Territory businesses and industries that are involved in Enterprise and Career Education and encouraged more businesses to become involved in this important initiative.
The seminar was held in conjunction with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NTCCI).
Further details are available on the Enterprise and Career Education web site http://www.gocareer.gov.au/