Students in Darwin will gain valuable real-world skills in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), thanks to the Turnbull
Government’s new Pathways in Technology (P-TECH)
pilot program.
The P-TECH pilot is an innovative model of
education–industry collaboration that provides students studying for their
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an industry-supported pathway to
a diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said
Casuarina Senior College in Darwin would be the first P-TECH in the Northern
Territory and one of 14 pilots being set up in a AU$4.6 million expansion
around Australia, according to the media release.
“The P-TECH at Casuarina Senior College will help students
get the STEM skills they need for local jobs,” Minister Birmingham said.
“This innovative model of collaboration between education
and industry will provide an industry supported pathway for young people in the
NT and build the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“A key element of the pilot at Casuarina Senior College will
be to implement strategies that encourage and support Indigenous students to
engage in the P-TECH learning program.
“Combined with the Turnbull Government’s new schools funding
plan that will deliver an extra AU$3,510 a year on average for each NT student,
as well as our reforms to vocational education and training, the P-TECH pilot
expansion will improve outcomes for students and set them up for the future.”
Interim Parliamentary Leader of the Nationals Nigel Scullion
said the first P-TECH pilot site in the Northern Territory would help local
industry skill up the future NT workforce.
“Maritime and defence industries are growing quickly in the
NT so the Australian Industry and Defence Network will be the key partner on
this P-TECH,” Minister Scullion said.
“I commend Casuarina Senior College for their involvement in
this exciting initiative which allows students to engage in hands-on, project
based learning, both at school and in the workplace, and assists them to make
informed decisions about future careers and pathways.
“This P-TECH pilot site will commence in 2018 and ensure
students in Casuarina are equipped with the skills they need to succeed at
work.”
The Turnbull Government has announced eight of the 12 new
P-TECH pilot sites, on top of two initial locations, with the remaining four
sites to be determined in consultation with state and territory governments,
non-government school authorities and industry.
For more information on the P-TECH pilot sites, visit their
official website here.
