Twelve local students from Denison College – Kelso High Campus have graduated from TAFE NSW YES+ program. Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole accompanied by Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin were delighted to attend the award ceremony.
TAFE NSW’s Youth Engagement Strategy Plus (YES+) helps students identify potential career pathways through vocational tasters in a wide range of industries, delivered at a local TAFE NSW campus.
Students attended Bathurst TAFE NSW campus one day per week over the last 6 weeks to experience a taste tester of a variety of careers. Students were able to visit industry sites and real workplaces as part of the course. Upon completion students walk away with a TAFE NSW Statement in Youth Engagement.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the program renews students desire to learn.
“This course is helping young people decide what kind of career they are interested in pursuing and providing them the skills and pathways to kick start that career,” Mr Toole said.
“It is designed to act as a “circuit breaker”, providing disengaged school students with the opportunity to come to TAFE NSW and gain foundation skills in an alternative environment and explore their post-school options.”
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin was impressed with the student’s renewed passion for study.
“It is wonderful to see the passion this program is igniting in young people who can now visualise the career pathways available to them,” Mr Franklin said.
“This program is stemming the flow of young people lost from the education and training systems each year and lifting young peoples’ participation in post-school education and training.”
YES+ was designed to provide opportunities for TAFE NSW and schools to work together to plan the delivery of customised courses and support services for students at risk of leaving school early.
