The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) actively participates in forums and is represented on peak and operational working groups relevant to vocational education.
Ai Group is promoting increased school industry partnerships through incentives and opportunities. Ai Group’s website showcases the ‘Employer Success Stories’ from school/industry partnerships. The website provides information on options for school industry partnerships such as Vocational Education in Schools and School-based New Apprenticeships. AI Group showcases the benefits for business for participating in such programs.
The AI Group has developed an Adopt-A-School Program to assist employers to connect with students. The aim of the program is to provide an active link between manufacturing employers, students, teachers and the broader school environment through activities that will increase knowledge and opportunities for careers and further education. These are operating or being piloted in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
An example of the Adopt a School model is the Industry Bridge to Schools Project – a solar vehicle competition. Schools in the Hume-Riverina area have nominated teams of up to 10 students at Year 8 or 9 level. Engineers from the manufacturing industry link with students to provide mentoring throughout the project. Industry mentors and their student teams develop a solar car that is raced at a competition race day, with industry, school and community partners as spectators.
The project aims to:
- build strong and ongoing relations between industry and schools
- promote careers in manufacturing to schools and the school community
- engage students in a more practical learning experience.
The project has been enthusiastically embraced by industry, schools, teachers and students.
Schools have said:
“Some students are feeling increasingly disconnected from traditional school structures. This would be a wonderful opportunity to engage them and make school more meaningful.”
“Outcomes will be improved- school participation by students; improved self esteem; increased awareness of industry; awareness of teamwork and team building; relationships with a mentor; improved ability to set goals/targets and meet them.”
The manufacturing industry has said:
“It will change the image of the industry in the eyes of students.”
For more information, visit the Australian Industry Group's website. 