Local businesses across Victoria that are giving students vital on-the-job experience have been honoured by the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today celebrated an employer in Werribee who is providing valuable workplace education for students through programs such as Head Start, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, Structured Workplace Learning and work experience opportunities.

The importance of school and industry partnerships were recognised at the Championing Victorian Industry within Schools event, which honoured businesses and their outstanding achievements in supporting students in 2020.

The businesses recognised included Multiskills Training in Werribee, which has developed Construction Induction card packages to fill the need in local schools at a heavily discounted price, allowing integration aids to accompany students to Construction Induction card training.

The event aims to strengthen relationships between schools and industry to provide further opportunities for students across Victoria.

Industry provides an essential and valued contribution to applied learning outcomes for students across VCE, VCAL and VET programs and this event highlights how integral these industry relationships are.

Schools and school partners nominated businesses and employers who supported students and schoolbased programs in 2020.

The Victorian Government is investing in creating the education and training pathways for students to get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

This includes a current investment of $49.8 million to deliver Head Start Apprentices and Traineeships – a program that supports students to complete their VCE or VCAL over three years alongside paid onthe-job training that leads to a qualification.

The government is also investing $38.1 million to transform vocational and applied learning in senior secondary schooling, which includes the development of a new single integrated senior secondary certificate, following a review by former Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority CEO John Firth. These reforms include a focus on strengthening partnerships between schools and industry, to give every student a high quality and meaningful experience that benefits both students and industry and contributes to Victoria’s economic recovery roadmap.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“We’re delighted to have an opportunity to thank these businesses and highlight their achievements in supporting students.”

“The support of local businesses in providing hands-on experience and training for Victorian students has never been more important and we thank and celebrate those employers that support school programs”

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We are investing in the future of all Victorians through a wide range of vocational programs which are connecting industry with the workforce of tomorrow.”