Aboriginal students from around the state will now have greater access to a program designed to provide valuable work experience and nationally recognised qualifications while still at school.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan announced a new round of the Djinggi School-Based Traineeship Program while visiting students completing school-based traineeships at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo earlier this week.

The Djinggi Program, funded by the NSW Department of Education’s Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant, offers Aboriginal students undertaking the HSC, the opportunity to become school-based trainees.

Djinggi, meaning stars in the Yuin language, plays a critical role in building the next generation of Aboriginal professionals within the Department of Education, as student trainees will work in public schools, preschools, or the department’s corporate offices.

The 2024 Program is set to expand its reach, offering opportunities up to 100 Aboriginal public-school students. Last year, the Program was open to 50 students, with an impressive 90% completion rate.

Over two years, students will balance school, paid work, and training, earning a qualification that contributes to their HSC (Higher School Certificate).

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

"Last year I had the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible impact this collaboration had on our First Nations students, and I am pleased the NSW Government is expanding this program to reach more young people.

“Students not only gain a nationally recognised qualification through paid work and training, but they have the opportunity for employment by the NSW Public Sector.

“Importantly this program helps connect our Aboriginal students with their culture while learning and working alongside local Elders.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“It's an incredible opportunity for these young people to gain skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.

"By expanding the Djinggi Program to reach 100 public school students in 2024, we are opening doors to even more Aboriginal students, helping them to shine in their future careers.

"The Djinggi Program is more than just a traineeship - it's a beacon of opportunity for Aboriginal students across NSW. It supports their journey towards success in the workforce, helping them to become the stars they are meant to be."

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“I am proud the NSW Government has doubled the number of Aboriginal public-school students offered this wonderful opportunity to set themselves up for life with invaluable training and work placements.

“We know that when Closing the Gap solutions are designed, led, and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, in partnership with the government, we get better outcomes, and the Djinggi Program is an excellent example of this.”