Trade Taster Participants Celebrate Workshop Completion

The Trade Taster Program participants recently celebrated successfully completing their workshops.

The Trade Taster Program, round one saw 34 secondary school students participate in the program that provides hands-on activities and exposes them to a variety of career pathways.

CVGT Australia Deputy CEO John Lynch said the program is a partnership between CVGT Australia, Bendigo TAFE and Australian Employment Network.

“The Trade Taster program is open to year 10 and VCAL students to experience different areas across occupations to help them choose a career path.

“The program offers participants interactive and practical workshops to experience either building and construction or business services.

“The training component of the program is delivered by Bendigo TAFE and includes an opportunity for participants to complete one week’s work experience in their chosen trade.

“Round one participants have successfully completed their workshops and are now ready to complete one week’s work experience.

“We would love to hear from any businesses who are interested in offering a one week work experience placement or a school-based apprenticeship to our participants,” Mr Lynch said.

The Trade Taster program has two streams. The building and construction program includes completing a white card, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, tools of the trade and industry pathways. The business services program includes hairdressing, beauty, business, retail, hospitality, health services and industry pathways.

CVGT Australia Group Training Performance Manager Kerry McCuskey said that feedback from participants had been positive and many said they enjoyed the topics and it has helped them to decide on a career path.

“Providing secondary school students with a taste of career opportunities through the Trade Taster program helps them achieve their employment and education goals.

“Participants are now in a better position to choose their career path and enjoy a bright future through an apprenticeship or traineeship.

“I congratulate each participant on successfully completing the workshop component of the program, and look forward to working with local businesses to help them provide a participant with valuable work experience.

“An apprenticeship or traineeship is a great way for young people to kick-start their careers. Participants can combine training with paid employment and achieve a nationally recognised qualification,” Ms McCuskey said.

Participant feedback:

“I have really enjoyed the programme and it has helped me choose my career path,” Josh.

“Enjoyed it and learnt a few things,” Thomas.

“It was pretty good to know what all the trades are about,” James.

“I thought it was good because I got to know about different stuff,” Josh.

“I really enjoyed it; it has given me a really good insight into the different areas. It has helped me to decide to do hairdressing,” Taylah.

“It gave a good knowledge and understanding into the different courses and what I want to do when I am older,” Jacklyn.

“Overall I found it fun. Some areas were more fun than others. I liked meeting new people,” Renae.

“I found it very interesting, a different way of learning. It helped me to be more comfortable around people,” Teegan.

CVGT Australia is very proud of its origins in Bendigo and has been delivering apprenticeships for more than 30 years.

The Trade Taster Program is part of the Multi Industry School Based and Pre Apprenticeship Support Pilot Project supported by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.