Departmental Media Release
Tuesday 31 July 2001
A year 12 student from Macarthur Girls’ High School in Parramatta today told Sydney businesses how they could secure confident, experienced and knowledgeable employees by forging closer links with schools and encouraging school students into their workplaces to train and learn.
Samar Sourour is studying a non-traditional trade in Information Technology and is currently completing an IT course via the Internet through the New England TAFE in Tamworth. She represents a growing number of students around Australia benefiting both themselves and business through Enterprise and Career Education.
Speaking at the Go Career seminar in Sydney this morning, Samar encouraged New South Wales employers to join about 50,000 businesses around Australia that are already reaping the rewards of inviting enthusiastic young people to participate in their workplaces.
"Students who have participated in Enterprise and Career Education tend to progress more quickly in their careers. So in a way, businesses in the long run are contributing to the quality of employees in the job market.
"Students who have seen what happens in a particular position, experienced what it’s like to be in that particular work environment and want to work in that field, offer an advantage to not only themselves but also to businesses.
"Businesses are ensured of hiring employees that are confident, experienced and knowledgeable."
Samar is currently completing a Certificate II in Information Technology.
"Work placements give you a broader view and deepen your understanding of your academic studies. You gain maturity and self confidence," said Samar.
The seminar, held in conjunction with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Australian Business Limited, featured schools and students who have participated in the programmes and derived the benefits from them – particularly by business.
Also addressing the seminar, the First Assistant Secretary of the Schools' Division within the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Mr Tony Greer said, "Helping our young people, helps businesses now and in the future".
"By partnering with local schools and offering work place training for students, businesses hold the key to ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce for Australia in the future," said Mr Greer.
"Young people who participate in Enterprise and Career Education are better trained and better motivated to meet the needs of business. Businesses benefit through more productive employees and an improved competitive skill base.
"Schools are changing their methods of teaching to help better prepare our young people for life in the workforce. 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.
"Enterprise and Career Education prepares students for post-school options including work, further education and training and allows young people to gain up to date and personal information about career choices, helping them make informed decisions about their future," said Mr Greer.
In March, Dr 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.
The business organisation Australian Business Limited (ABL) is a keen supporter of the Go Career campaign and has had a lengthy and successful involvement with Enterprise and Career Education programmes.
"New entrants in the workplace, who have been associated with businesses while at school, have a head start in adapting to the working environment", said Chair of the ABL Education & Training Committee and member of the ABL Council, Dr Robert Burke.
"Innovative and enterprising businesses in Australia need people with appropriate workplace attitudes and competencies. By involving young people in business experiences while still at school, there is a greater chance that career decisions they make are well informed, and suitable for the development of positive attitudes to lifelong learning.
"It is vital that, if school based vocational activities are to provide positive outcomes, strong and sustainable partnerships between education, business and the community need to be encouraged. ABL supports the development of meaningful partnerships between member businesses, education providers and the broad cross-section of NSW communities in which they conduct their business," said Dr Burke.
Mr Greer congratulated those businesses already participating in Enterprise and Career Education programmes and encouraged other businesses to become involved and help young people in the transition from school to the world of work.
Further details are available on the Enterprise and Career Education web site www.gocareer.gov.au