09 Sep 2024
Narrabri High School was visited by industry, business and agriculture leaders, educators and council representatives last week to support the school’s careers preparation for students’ initiative.
The bringing together of the cross section was a coup for the school and a strong affirmation of community support.
Narrabri High has been working with UNE, Careers Network, Narrabri Shire Council, TAFE Queensland and NSW and local business representatives as part of the ‘Can Do – Imagine Your Future’ initiative to explore solutions to address the skills shortage in the area.
Deputy Principal Emily McInerney contacted TAFE Queensland executive director Robert Petherbridge after seeing the excellent results achieved through the Queensland Future Skills Partnership. Queensland Future Skills Partnership.
“Mr Petherbridge has been working with the Can-Do – Imagine Your Future team to investigate an Industry based training model to support not only schools but the current workforce in the Narrabri Region,” explained McInerney.
“Businesses in the area were given the opportunity to meet Robert and discuss the variety of options available including micro-credentials, skillsets and nationally recognised certificates to support opportunities for skills development in their specialised fields.
“The session also supported the school to connect with local businesses to plan the development of the next Careers Highlight Immersion Program for Year 10 students in Agriculture.
“Businesses were very generous in supporting the exploration of career options in the first CHIP focused on Health and Allied services and the same generosity and support has been given by our local businesses in agriculture to encourage students to stay in the area after the completion of their studies.
“Narrabri Shire Council’s Gilly Goddard provided statistics for the current and predicted workforce and mining followed by agriculture was flagged as the largest industry in the future.
“The school is looking at opportunities whereby TAFE QLD and Narrabri High may be able to explore future focused courses to support personalised pathways for students, such
as autonomous technology, digital skills, work skills and technology skills essential to agriculture,” said Ms McInerney.
“Partnering with businesses whilst delivering the TAFE QLD courses will provide authentic experiences for students to support them to have informed choices when selecting their futures.”
Story featured in The Narrabri Courier 5/09/2024