WITH the announcement of the expansion of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program, students at Ipswich schools are voting with their feet with participation in certain industries proving more popular.
Of the 12 industries in the program in Ipswich schools, the most popular class is advanced manufacturing, with students from five schools taking part (Bremer State High School, Ripley Valley State Secondary College, St Edmund’s College, Staines Memorial Colleges, West Moreton Anglican College).
That is followed by aerospace with three schools (Bundamba State Secondary College, Springfield Central State High School, St Mary’s College), two schools in the minerals and energy program (Bundamba State Secondary College, St Edmunds College), and the information and communication technology program at Bellbird Park State Secondary College.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said she was glad to see the program expanded.
“This was a great Labor-developed program, and I will always support more students in trade-related education,” she said.
“The previous Labor Government re-introduced the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program and the Fee-Free TAFE initiatives.”
The Crisafulli Government last week announced it would expand the program, with hopes to secure a pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland.
The expanded program will offer agribusiness, tourism and hospitality, and advanced manufacturing for the first time, expanding the reach of the program which was delivered across 372 Queensland schools and reached 45,000 students last year.
Minister for Employment and Training Ros Bates said the program was a partnership with Queensland schools and employer businesses to build future workforces in priority industries.
“This is just one of many ways the Crisafulli Government will secure a pipeline of skilled workers in critical industries for Queensland’s future,” Ms Bates said.
“The additional industries added in the program expansion reflects modern skills requirements while maintaining strong foundations in traditional powerhouse industries where Queensland has a competitive advantage.
“This will support more young Queenslanders to build their skills and experience to meet growing industry demand.”
