NSW Department of Education Acting Secretary Murat Dizdar has congratulated careers advisers from across the state for their invaluable guidance and advice to help students explore their education and career options. 

A key part of the careers adviser role is reaching out to local organisations and industries to create opportunities for students to undertake school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT) placements as part of their Higher School Certificate (HSC) vocational education studies. 

Careers advisers are well connected with local employers, community agencies and training providers. They have a strong background in education, as qualified secondary teachers who have undertaken an approved graduate certificate in careers education. 

"Our careers and transitions advisers play a critical role in our students’ transition journey from secondary school to further education, training or employment, and are central to students and their parents effectively navigating the career pathways of today and those into the future," Mr Dizdar said. 

 "Our specialist staff find work and industry opportunities, with on-the-job experience, for our students interested in many different fields and careers.”

The Murrumbidgee Local Health Network, for example, showcased the success of school-based traineeships placement programs at the Local Health Advisory Forum held this month in Gundagai. 

 As the largest employer in the region, the organisation has more than 5,000 healthcare staff working across 33 hospitals and 12 primary healthcare centres spanning 125,243 square kilometres in southern NSW. 

 The Murrumbidgee Local Health Network provides holistic support for students to complete their nationally industry recognised qualification. The students are paid as employees of the organisation while gaining academic credit for their HSC attainment. 

 At the completion of the traineeship, the aim of the program is for trainees to engage in further study or into permanent or casual work within the Murrumbidgee Local Health Network. 

 With up to 70 qualified staff graduating from the program every two years, this school-based apprenticeship and traineeship program is making a real impact to healthcare in the regional community.