For the last few years Banyule Nillumbik LLEN has been working behind the scenes, bringing stakeholders together to develop programs that would prepare young people for a career in the local Health and Community Services Industry. This initiative has now evolved to become the Health and Community Services Industry Themed Program.
The Industry Themed Programs allow students to pursue an interest in a specific industry or for a specific occupation but they also build knowledge and skills valued by the industry. It is a way of increasing the breadth of knowledge of students, so that they can see beyond one or two specific roles within the industry. They can work in a field that is of interest to them and build a pathway that supports their passion. The focus is on ‘where do I want to be in terms of industry sector’? This is a significant shift in terms of perceptions because it is irrelevant whether students undertake a VCE or VCAL program as the industry has entry points for all students.
The program aims to build the capacity of young people to work in the industry. It aims to provide students with real insight into the many opportunities that exist in a skills shortage industry. The community services and health industry is already amongst the largest employers in Australia and an aging population means demand for skilled workers will continue to increase. Encouraging students to consider the many and varied career pathways in this area is crucial in addressing a growing skill shortage.
The specialist senior certificate known as the “Industry Themed Program (ITP) – Health and Community Services” was launched on 23rd February 2012. Bundoora Secondary College, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar and Our Lady of Mercy Heidelberg have formed a collaboration to enhance the opportunities for this group of young people in their senior program.
The program has four key quadrants: a contextualised curriculum; industry link component involving structured workplace learning placement and site visits; a careers component for reflecting upon future pathways; and a transition component, where students are encouraged to take the appropriate steps towards relevant TAFE courses or university degrees.
For more information contact:
Hari Nikolaou, Health & Community Services ITP Manager
hari@bnllen.org.au or (03) 9431 8000