SOUTH East students are “vetting” on a major State Government curriculum review which will focus on ways to boost vocational education and training (VET) opportunities through secondary schooling.
The State Government this week released a discussion paper around the VET system, stating it aims to increase student demand for the pathway program to support the state’s growing need for skilled workers.
A Training and Skills Commission report revealed around 247,000 qualifications will need to be delivered to meet the skills requirements of South Australian businesses over the next five years, with 82pc of the in-demand occupations forecast to need VET qualifications rather than a bachelor degree.
Mount Gambier 1 education director Adam Box said the focus on VET delivery was “smart” by the government, stating any initiative to encourage meaningful pathways for students is a good move.
“I am massively supportive of the government’s push for students pursuing careers and pathways during school,” he said.
“I think South East schools work well with kids and target their points of need, tailoring education to suit the student.
“It is about helping them make real-life choices and decisions for what their future career may be.”
Mr Box said it is important to address a student’s individual needs when comparing university and VET qualifications.
“It honestly depends on the student’s needs and what way they learn best,” he said.
“If a child decides to go to TAFE or university and it is not for them, the employment opportunities are not going to be great anyway because they are not going to enjoy it.
“As I always say, the essential building blocks for learning are still literacy and numeracy and we have to make sure we get those right as it gives students the best chance.”
Tenison Woods College VET coordinator Joanne MacLean said VET courses provide a career path for students.
“I think parents are seeing university more beneficial than VET courses, as perhaps that is the next step beyond what they were able to do and choices they were able to make,” she said.
“Recently as a society we have seen a shift due to the demand for trades increasing.”
Ms MacLean said recent years had shown university graduates were struggling to find employment in their trained area.
“Nursing is a great example where a large amount of people were recently trained and many are still unable to find a job,” she said.
“I think learning occurs in many different areas now and to put yourself in one category does not necessarily make you employable nowadays.
“The only way to become a critical thinker is to dip your fingers and toes into many different areas and VET courses provide that opportunity.”
Ms MacLean said even if skills are not used immediately they can become useful later in life.
“We need to become more open to students being involved in many things instead of just one,” she said.
“VET courses can work well into the school curriculum, it just all depends on how you structure it.”
Mr Box said it is up to the student as to where they choose to go in life no matter what they study.
“The opportunities for our kids are endless,” he said.
“All our secondary providers are working with kids and their pathways, all incorporating VET opportunities into their curriculum.
“Core subjects in our high schools are changing all the time to meet the needs of the kids and the community.”
The government’s six-week consultation period will close on July 26.
