Published on Thursday, 21 January 2021 at 11:33:10 AM
Removing the need for Kambalda youth to travel to Kalgoorlie-Boulder to access Y11 and 12 studies formed the basis of the Shire of Coolgardie’s recent partnership with the Kambalda West District High School and Central Regional TAFE. The new initiative will offer Kambalda students access to year 11 and 12 Vocational Education and Training courses or general studies without a need to travel to high school in Kalgoorlie.
Shire of Coolgardie president Malcolm Cullen welcomed the steps to ensure Kambalda students had a more convenient career pathway."This is a great initiative and one that Council has been working towards achieving. The option to provide Years 11 and 12 in Kambalda will increase youth engagement in education. Coupled with the opportunity to undertake Vocational Education and Training, I really believe we are creating a workforce for the future of Kambalda” Cr Cullen said.
The three organisations are currently seeking support from Kambalda businesses in developing work pathways for these students and letters have been sent out to several industries. Students will be able to complete a Certificate II in a choice of studies and, through the Shire of Coolgardie, be connected to Kambalda businesses to complete the work component.
Chelsie Grace, Director Training Services-Kalgoorlie, said Central Regional TAFE is excited to launch this new initiative which will benefit Kambalda students, business and the community as a whole. “We’re so pleased to be expanding our course offerings to Kambalda students. Not only will this program reduce the time spent travelling, it also creates an opportunity for local businesses to support students with work placement throughout their studies. "Having your local community behind you provides invaluable encouragement for students and leads to further employment opportunities in the future”. Ms Grace said.
Candice Brown, Principal, Kambalda West District Highschool believes that this opportunity will reduce or even eliminate youth disengaging with schooling after Year 10. “I have seen so many bright students go to Kalgoorlie and due to long days of travel, additional homework and simply the large number of students in high school, quit schooling and become disengaged in the community."
Over eleven students out of the 20 students have already signed up to stay at Kambalda West District high school for Y11. We anticipate even higher numbers in 2022 when the program is embedded into the business community” Ms Brown said.
Eleven students have already registered to attend Kambalda West District High School in 2021 for year 11 and 12 studies. However, they require industry and community support for work placements which will be a minimum one day each week across a number of career fields.
Any business able to assist in work placement should contact Bree Crawley, Economic and Community Development Coordinator, on 9080 2111 or via email at ecdc@coolgardie.wa.gov.au by February 5, 2021.
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