Aboriginal students have a new opportunity to forge a career in construction by gaining hands on experience and qualifications in the industry through a Year 11 and 12 Vocational Education and Training (VET) course.
The South Australian Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) has partnered with Hansen Yuncken, one of Australia's largest privately owned construction companies, and Aboriginal owned Registered Training Organisation Carey Training to deliver a Certificate II in Construction in a culturally appropriate and engaging environment for Aboriginal students.
It is expected that up to 12 students will undertake the Certificate when it begins in February 2020, with the potential to expand the program further in future years. Upon completion of the course, students will be well placed to pursue employment in the industry through the networks built through their training.
Hansen Yuncken will eventually create a purpose-built classroom on one of their construction sites in Adelaide, allowing students to easily move between theoretical and practical learning on a single site.
The Certificate II in Construction offering expands on a range of VET Certificate courses already offered in Sport and Recreation, Hospitality, Community Services and Fitness, as well as the SAASTA STEM academy where participating students study Stage 2 Scientific Studies.
The announcement comes as more than 100 SAASTA students celebrated their graduation from a selection of VET courses last month at a ceremony at the Regency TAFE campus.
Education Minister John Gardner said that expanding SAASTA course offering will ensure more Aboriginal students are engaged in learning that leads to improved educational outcomes.
"We are excited to be partnering with an experienced business that will enable our Aboriginal students to receive quality training and experience that will set them up for a career in construction," said Minister Gardner.
"SAASTA continues to be incredibly successful in providing opportunities for Aboriginal students to engage in their education and prepare for a successful future.
"This is yet another great opportunity for Aboriginal young people to join the SAASTA program and achieve higher educational and employment outcomes.
"One of our goals as part of the Aboriginal Education Strategy is to increase outcomes for Aboriginal students by supporting excellence at school and increasing pathways to success, and the expansion of the SAASTA academies is helping to achieve this.
"All of the SAASTA students who have graduated this year should be incredibly proud of what they've accomplished and excited about where their newly gained skills will take them."
Hansen Yuncken SA Manager Mark Rosenboom said the course would provide an important stepping stone towards employment for the students who take part.
"Hansen Yuncken is proud to be partnering with SAASTA, delivering a Certificate II in Construction for Year 11 and 12 students," said Mr Rosenboom.
"The course will provide a stepping stone into the construction industry opening employment opportunities upon completion.
"Hansen Yuncken is committed to developing and strengthening the South Australian construction industry by developing the skills of the next generation."
