2008 Darwin Try a Trade Report

Transcription

1 Try a Trade is a Worldskills Australia Initiative 2008 Darwin Try a Trade Report Organising Committee Members: in alphabetical order: Charles Darwin University Trisha Kohlweg Group Training NT Lisa Dodds and Suzie Williams Northern Territory Government Department of Education & Training Cathy Preddy Funded by: Group Training NT Foundation NTG Department of Education & Training Auto Electrical Welding Cookery Horticulture Carpentry Light Vehicle Electrical

2 Try atrade Background: Try atrade is a Worldskills Australia initiative that introduces school aged students to a variety of trades, relevant to their region and skill shortage areas. The program aims to provide hands on, interactive trade activities that introduces specific skill sets and encourage students to have a go, under the guidance of professional Tradespeople, Apprentices and Registered Training Organisations. The event also offers the opportunity for students to ask questions and gather accurate study, career and employment information relating to trade careers. The Darwin Try atrade event is organised by a consortium of organisations comprising of Charles Darwin University, Group Training NT and the Department of Education and Training (DET) and is funded by Group Training NT Foundation and NTG Department of Education and Training. In 2008 Territory Construction Association, who was a member of the consortium from , officially withdrew from the consortium due to their inability to continue supporting the event. The Northern Territory was the first in Australia to deliver a Try atrade event in Since its inception, it has been a huge success valued by Schools, Students and Industry. Student numbers have steadily increased over the years, with a huge growth to over 500 participants. Due to the increase of participants in the 2006 Darwin Try atrade, the Darwin Try atrade Committee decided to work closely with the Alice Springs region to organise and hold their first Try atrade, which was successfully held in In 2008 the Darwin Try atrade Committee again supported the 2008 Alice Springs Try atrade and worked closely with the Rivers Region to organise and successfully hold their first Try atrade event in Katherine. Both the Alice Springs and Rivers Region Try atrade event provided a relevant enhanced learning opportunity to their local and remote students, as well as facilitated the much needed local community, school and industry partnerships across the regions. The Darwin Try a Trade Committee has continually encouraging regional sustainability, believing regional ownership will ensure the partnerships formed will remain strong and the event will remain specific to the identified needs of the region. However we will continue to provide support to both regions as required, to ensure the event remains successful. The Darwin Try atrade Committee is very pleased with the performance and commitment shown by the Alice Springs and Rivers Region Committee. We are confident Alice Springs has reached the desired level of sustainability and will only offer support on request. The Rivers Region will continue to require support from the Darwin Try a Trade Committee with the organisation and delivery of their event. Try atrade Event Aims: The program aims to address the critical skill shortages currently faced by our trade industries in the Northern Territory. By providing an interactive and educational forum, which introduces students to general skill sets, employability attributes and up to date study and career information associated with the trades. The forum also provides an opportunity to facilitate and strengthen valued partnerships between schools, industries, employers, government departments, local community partnerships and registered training organisations.

3 The Event: The 2008 Darwin Try atrade event was held at the Cyprus Community Function Centre, Batton Road Marrara from Tuesday the 23 rd Friday the 26 th of September, from 9am 2.30pm. The four day event hosted 437 students, from 14 different Schools from across Darwin, Darwin Rural and Arnhem Region, and offered 12 different trade activities. Students were separated into groups of 12 or less, and rotated through the trade activities, with each session lasting 20mins. Industry sessions were delivered by qualified professionals and the day provided engaging practical hands on activities, up to date study and career information and OH&S requirements for their industry Try'aTrade Activities & Sponsors Australian Apprenticeships NT sponsored by Australian Apprenticeships NT The session provided students with an opportunity to discuss available options ask questions and gather current information relating to study, school based traineeship/ apprenticeship and trades. Automotive Electrical - sponsored by Charles Darwin University Students were provided with the basic theory of 12 volt electrical circuits as used in vehicles and trailers. Students were encourage, using the tools and equipment specific to the trade and guided through rewiring and connecting tail/brake lights, indicators, horns, relays and other assorted components. They were also given a brief overview of vehicle air conditioning systems. Automotive Light Vehicle - sponsored by Bridge Toyota Students were guided through a visual and interactive display of engine performance, electronic ignition, emission control and mechanical systems, whilst being provided the latest information on technology advancements by professional tradespeople and current apprentices. Students were also provided information on employment pathways available to them whilst at school. Commercial Cookery - sponsored by Charles Darwin University Students learnt how to make a simple Crepe batter, which they cooked and then decorated with fresh fruit and cream. Students were also introduced to other related fields such as multicultural cookery and bakery. Defence Trades 1 & 2 - sponsored by Australian Defence Force Students were introduced to the various sections of the Australian Defence Force, being Navy, Army, Medic and their roles, with visual displays and interactive activities such as, ambulance medic display, CPR and First Aid demonstrations, training obstacle course, navy boat, heavy vehicles, foot patrol with all required gear, guns and a practice shooting range. Students were also provided a comprehensive range of employment information and DVD presentations. Electrical - sponsored by Group Training NT Students were provided with the basic theory of 240v electrical systems, including the dangers of electrocution. They were given wiring diagrams and guided through the skill set and encourage to use the tools to wire in switches to operate 12 volt lights, fans, buzzers and other electrical components. 2

4 Hairdressing - sponsored by Group Training and Jewell Distributors Students were guided and performed professional up styles using professional salon products, bobby pins, hair bands, clips, curling iron, hair straighter and blow dryers. Horticulture - sponsored by Charles Darwin University Students were provided information on the various fields of Horticulture and then given a basic OH&S induction and instructions on how to operate a ride on mower. Students were then required to manoeuvre the mower through a course, made from a series of witches hats. Hospitality - sponsored by Charles Darwin University and Skycity Students were shown and encouraged to practice the skill sets used in the banquet and restaurant services, the art of napkin folding, table service set up and waitressing. Students participated in the Bar Operations activity, making and tasting Mocktails, and given a visual demonstration at espresso coffee making. Students were also provided information on the various fields available in hospitality, study and career opportunities. Welding - sponsored by Charles Darwin University, Advanced Training International and Universal Engineering Students were encourage to practice their skills on a welding simulator, shown how to identify crack with a weld and experienced mig welding under the guidance of professional tradespeople and apprentices. Students also provided information on the different specialised fields and study and employment pathways available to them whilst at school. Plumbing - sponsored by Charles Darwin University Students learnt how to remove and replace tap washers, o rings and taps using tools, plumbers grease and thread tape. They were also provided an opportunity to try some of the latest camera technology used for diagnostics and provided an overview on other specialist field such as gas, air and water systems. Carpentry - sponsored by Charles Darwin University and Nortruss Students used drills, hammers, saws, screwdrivers, chisels and measuring tapes to construct four pre-cut double hardwood seater outdoor chairs. Students were also shown and practiced waxing wood surfaces. Schools/Community Education Centres: All Secondary Schools and Community Education Centres in the Darwin, Palmerston, Darwin Rural and Arnhem Regions were personally invited. An open invitation was posted on the DET site, CDU Website Whats On Calendar, the CDU Secondary Schools Calendar and announced on Territory FM Radio. Schools interested in participating needed to complete a student registration form that included a media permission section. 3

5 Participating Secondary Schools and Community Education Centres: Participating NT Secondary Schools/CECs' O Loughlin College Nightcliff Middle School Kormilda College Darwin Middle School The Essington School of Darwin Dripstone Middle School Alternative Education Provisions Dar/Palm NT Open Education Centre Taminmin High School Sanderson Middle School St Johns College Henbury School Woolaning Homeland Christian College Batchelor Gapuwiyak Community Education Centre Influencing factors: Public schools notified their students of the proposed school strike action the week prior, with Palmerston High School having to cancel their booking, and other public schools bringing less numbers than expected, due to student absences. Casuarina Senior College did not respond. The NT Christian School Association schools, Marrara Christian School, Palmerston Christian School and Good Shepherd Lutheran School, held their teachers, professional development week, during this time. Batchelor Area School were on school camp and Alyangula Community Education Centre unable to secure funding. Promotion and Media Coverage: Flyers and information were sent directly to each School and CEC Principal, Career Advisers and VET Coordinators. The Try atrade event information was posted on the DET website, DET Enews and in a media release given to the NT News. ABC TV and Channel 9, Palmerton Regional Business Association in conjunction with the Southern Cross Television, Around Palmerston community announcement. The Government photographer was present at the Official Launch of Try atrade. Try atrade committee member Cathy Preddy delivered a talk on Territory FM Radio. From this coverage Try a Trade was also picked up and supported by other Radio Stations. After the NT Events a double page special feature was published in the NT Newspaper, Friday, October 10, page The Official Launch: The Northern Territory Government, Minister for Education & Training, the Honourable Marion Scrymgour officially opened Try a Trade at an Official Launch, held during the event. CEO of Group Training NT Mr Mike Harrison was the MC and Charles Darwin Universities General Manager VET, Mr Steve Shanahan was a speaker. Official Launch list of invitees : NTG DET Chief Executive Mrs Margaret Banks NTG DET Deputy Chief Executive Mr John Hassed EO Services Industries Training Advisories Council, Melanie Brenton EO Primary Industries Training Advisory Council, Marianne St Clair GM Transport, Engineering, Automotive Training Advisory Council, Barry Cramond EO NT Cultural Recreation & Tourism Training Advisory Council, Wendy Moulds EO Major Industries Training Advisory Council, Archie Wright EO Human Services Training Advisory Council, Barbara Pitman CEO Chamber of Commerce, Mr Chris Young Director Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, Jeannie Herbert 4

6 Cont invitees list: President Cyprus Community Function Centre, Mr Kerrie Kyriacou Secretary Cyprus Community Function Centre, Mrs Kerry Kyriacou CDU Vice Chancellor Mrs Helen Garnett CDU Director of VET Mr Aaron Devine CDU Senior Advisor School to VET Mr Lyle Mellors CDU Manager Trades Division Mr Brent Villiers CDU Plumbing Coordinator Mr Stephen Say CDU Commercial Cookery Coordinator Mr Bharat Desai CDU Metals & Engineering Coordinator Mr Andrew Ward CDU Cabinet Making Coordinator Mr Tim Nicol Rivers Region Try a Trade Committee (CDU, GTNT, RRYDS & DET) Group Training NT Mr Ray Blohm Jewel Distributors Ms Helen Alfree Australian Defence Force Skycity Ms Annette Bullock Territory Construction Association General Manager Mr Craig O Halloran Territory Construction Association Marketing Manager Ms Jenny Griffins GM Advanced Training International Mr Doug MacDonald and PA Ms Jan Winch Nortruss Director and Human Resources Manager Cheryl Tether Darwin High School - Principal Ms Marion Guppy, VET Coordinator Janine Watt and Careers Adviser Barbara Lemke The Essington School of Darwin - Principal Mr David Cannon and VET Coordinator Kathryn Dransfield Kormilda College - Principal Mr Malcolm Pritchard, VET Coordinator Dean Cummings and Careers Adviser Julie Robillard Nightcliff Middle School - Principal Lyn Hollow and Careers Adviser Krystal Smith Alternative Education Provisions Darwin/Palmerston - Youth Worker Brenton Pedler St Johns College - Principal Sister Philippa Murphy, VET Coordinator Garry Griffin and Careers Adviser David Barnard Marrara Christian School - Principal Mr John Metcalf, VET Coordinator Ms Jennifer Smith and Careers Adviser Ms Yvonne Cole Dripstone Middle School - Principal Ms Lyn Elphinstone and VET Coordinator/Careers Adviser Mrs Trish Orr O Loughlin College - Principal Mr Lester Lemke, VET Coordinator Rod Plummer and Careers Adviser Anne Brooks Sanderson High School - Principal Mr Russell Legg, VET Coordinator Ms Carole Belsham and Careers Adviser Mr Erv Moyd Palmerston High School - Principal Mr Robert Presswell, VET Coordinator/Careers Adviser Ms Yvonne McDonnell Taminmin High School - Principal Mr Tony Considine, VET Coordinator Mr Andrew Oliver and Careers Adviser Mrs Susan Considine Batchelor Area School - Principal Lisa Bickley 5

7 Survey Results: Of the students in attendance, a total of 173 Surveys were fully completed, collected and counted Q1. What Trades/Activity, were you interested in the most? Automotive Electrical 9% Automotive Light Vehicle 9% Commercial Cookery 10% Australian Defence Force 16% Electrical 8% Hair Dressing 10% Horticulture 4% Hospitality 11% Welding 9% Plumbing 4% Carpentry 7% Australian Apprenticeships NT 3% Q2. What did you enjoy the most about Try a Trade? Automotive Electrical 1% Automotive Light Vehicle 7% Commercial Cookery 7% Australian Defence Force 35% Electrical 8% Hair Dressing 15% Horticulture 5% Hospitality 8% Welding 4% Plumbing 2% Carpentry 6% Australian Apprenticeships NT 2% Q3. What aspects of the event do you find most important? Hands On Interactive Activities 36% Career Information & Pathways 26% Variety of Trades 38% Q4. What did you dislike about the event? Not having the time to participate in all Trades offered 19% Not enough time in each activity 11% Nothing 70% Q5. What Trade Activity did you enjoy the least? Automotive Electrical 8% Automotive Light Vehicle 7% Commercial Cookery 10% Australian Defence Force 8% Electrical 10% Hair Dressing 8% Horticulture 6% Hospitality 10% Welding 7% 6

8 Plumbing 14% Carpentry 7% Australian Apprenticeships NT 5% Q6. What Trade Activity taught you the most? Automotive Electrical 3% Automotive Light Vehicle 14% Commercial Cookery 5% Australian Defence Force 25% Electrical 9% Hair Dressing 5% Horticulture 4% Hospitality 12% Welding 7% Plumbing 4% Carpentry 8% Australian Apprenticeships NT 4% Q7. Did the day assist you in understanding how to get a Trade? Yes 90% No 10% Q8. Are you considering a Traineeship or Apprenticeship? Yes 77% No 19% Undecided 4% Q9. Please rate the event on presentation, information and trade activities offered: Excellent 41% Very Good 38% Good 21% Poor 0% Very Poor 0% All students were given an opportunity to request more career and study information from each trade activity. In total there were 155 student requests for more information, from the following trade activities. The Try a Trade Committee will retain the list of students so that in the future we can track past Try a Trade participants to determine what study pathway they actually took and did it successfully lead to them gaining an apprenticeship. Commercial Cookery x 45 Hairdressing x 32 Electrical x 30 Automotive Light Vehicle x 29 Hospitality Operations x 6 Automotive Electrical x 11 Construction x 2 Universal Engineering, one of the Welding activity sponsors, informed the committee that they had received several calls from students during the event enquiring about possible apprenticeships and will follow up with these students. 7

9 Survey Summary: The survey results and career information requests did highlight some worthy and interesting points. 70% of students stated they disliked nothing and 100% of students rated the presentation, information and trade activities offered as either, good, very good or excellent. 90% of students believed they have a better understanding on how to secure a traineeship or apprenticeship, with 77% believing they will definitely choose this pathway and 4% undecided. Although 10% of students identified Commercial Cookery and Hairdressing, and 9% indentified Automotive Light Vehicle and 8% identified Electrical as the trades they were most interested in prior to the event. 10% of students identified the Commercial Cookery and Electrical activity, 8% identified Hairdressing and 7% identified Automotive Light Vehicle as the activity they enjoyed the least. On final count Commercial Cookery had 45 students requested for information, Hairdressing had 32, Electrical had 30 and Automotive Light Vehicle had 29. The overall results of the survey indicate that students believe that at this stage in their schooling, it is 10 12% more important to continue to provide a variety of trades with interactive hands on activities, rather than focusing the event around providing career and pathway information. And although many students can identify trades they are most interested in prior to participating, there is, a substantial number of students that identify trades of interest only after they have participated in the event. Event Feedback: The feedback from Schools, Teachers, Students and Industry continues to be very positive, with one of the most common attributes identified is, the valuable learning experiences this event presents for students, teachers and stakeholders. By combining interactive, hands on activities delivered by professional that work in the field, along with the opportunity to ask questions, meet employers and gather career and pathway information is pleasingly effective and provides a balanced foundation for students to have confidence, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future Industry Sponsors indicated they would be more than happy to continue sponsoring the event in 2009 Survey Prize Winners: Woolaning Homeland Christian College student Gavin National Geographic Back Pack Henbury School student Claire A National Geographic Back Pack Kormilda College student Lincoln P Tool Box with tool set Nightcliff Middle School student Elliot P Tool Box with tool set Dripstone Middle School student Courtney M Fashion Watch Drawn by: Linda Cuttriss, Community Engagement, Community & Access Charles Darwin University. 8

10 Other Try atrade News: Alice Springs Try atrade Event: The 2008 Alice Springs Try atrade was held over 2 days at the Charles Darwin University Campus on the 18th & 19th of September, with the CDU Consortium Member travelling down to support the delivery of the event, as a student group supervisor. The Alice Springs Try atrade hosted 180 students, increasing from 130 students in 2007 who participated in a one day event. The event was delivered over two days to ensure remote students were given time to travel in and to cater for the students cultural needs, which entailed separating the boys and girls into separate groups Participating students were from the following urban and remote schools. Urban Schools Our Lady of Sacred Hearts, St Philips College, Anzac High School, Alice Springs High School, Tennant Creek High School Remote Schools Alcoota School, Mt Allen School (Yuelamu), Laramba School, Papunya School, Canteen Creek School, Ampilatwatja School, Alpurruralem School and Yipirinya School Students were separated into groups of 10 and rotated around the following trade activities: Commercial Cookery, Health Services, Welding, Media, Electrical, Construction, Automotive Light Vehicle, Horticulture, Conservation & Land Management and Childcare *Please note, of the ten activities, only eight activities were offered each day, this ensured the daily activities were relevant to the students regional employment opportunities. Rivers Region Try atrade Event: The 2008 Rivers Region Try atrade was held at the Charles Darwin University Rural College on the 8 th of October, with the CDU and DET Consortium Members providing all the required documentation, participating face to face, or via telephone conferencing in organisational meeting, as well as travelling down to support the set up and delivery of the event. The Darwin Consortium provided their event resources such as visuals, alarm buzzer, arm bands and activity equipment, as well as liaised with Darwin event sponsors to secure the skill coaches and produce for the commercial cookery activity and the equipment for the welding and plumbing activity. The Rivers Region Try atrade hosted 128 students from the following urban and remote schools, and community education centres (CEC) Participating students were from the following urban and remote schools. Urban Schools Katherine High School and Katherine School of the Air Remote Schools Numbulwar CEC, Maningrida CEC, Ngukurr CEC, Minyerri School, Jilkminggan School and Barunga School 9

11 Students were separated in to groups of 10 and rotated around the following trade activities: Automotive Mechanical, Butchery, Commercial Cookery, Construction, Conservation & Land Management, Council Operations, Childcare, Electrical, Hairdressing, Health, Horticulture, Rural Operations, IT, Police, Machinery, St Johns Ambulance Paramedics, Plumbing, Welding and Australian Apprenticeships NT 2009 Recommendations for the Darwin Try atrade Event: Look at the possibility of offering Australian Apprenticeships NT a place in the Darwin Try atrade consortium. Investigate holding the event earlier in the year, possibly May. Investigate alternative venues to hold the event. Ensure each trade activity skill coach, encourages interested students to place their name and school on the student request more information forms. Invite St Johns Ambulance and/or NT Police Force to provide an activity. Special Acknowledgments: Try atrade committee would like to thank and acknowledge the following organisations and individuals listed in alphabetical order: Advanced Training International Doug MacDonald and Jan Winch Australian Apprenticeships NT Skye Blake Australian Defence Force Defence Recruiting, Army & Navy Paula McCormack, Brad Petersen, Amy Morgan, David Stow, Garry Knight, Carly Young, Chris Wilson, Shane Buhagiar and Shane Dwyer Bridge Toyota Neil Playford, Clint Cann and apprentices Adam Thirft, Lacalan Malone and Ryan Bullus Charles Darwin University Plumbing - Stephen Say, Julie Evenis, Commercial Cookery - Bharat Desai, Jason Wilkes and Gerret Johannsen, Hospitality Oliver Budack, Welding David Cook, Warren Corrick and Jim Fraser, Horticulture - Scott McDonald and Jamie Gorrie, Carpentry Tim Nicol and Hermann Oltrop Cyprus Community Function Centre President and Committee Members Group Training NT Mick Kairupan, Suzie Williams and Romy Dodds Jewell Distributors Helen Allfree Nortruss Builders Supplies or Nortruss (NT) Pty Ltd Cheryl Tether Territory FM Darryl Manzies Sky City Donna Pickford, Dhanushiya Ganesan, Raechell Petty, Jeff Coates and Tasha McGarva Universal Engineering Steve Tiley, Mick Rominski and apprentices Daniel Brown and Mitchell Mc Donald 10

12 2008 Try atrade Budget: provided to Funding Bodies Try atrade Report, Survey and Career Information Collated by: Darwin Try atrade Committee Member, Trisha Kohlweg, Secondary School Liaison, Charles Darwin University Try atrade Budget Overseen and Collated by: Try atrade Committee Member, Lisa Dodds, Marketing Manager, Group Training NT 11