Kimberley school-based traineeship program ‘Highly Commended!’

Well done to Kununurra District High School, the KEFL crew and KGT for Runners-up in the National Group Training Australia - Partnerships Award.

Runner-up in the Partnership Award, and ‘Highly Commended’ by the judges was Kimberley Group Training (KGT) and its partnership with Kununurra District High School's Kimberley Education For Life (KEFL) program.

Developed by Kris Thomas a teacher from Kununurra District High, this school-based-traineeship program offers students the opportunity to combine Outdoor Education with a Certificate II in Agriculture, in addition to their chosen traineeship pathway.

These help to develop the students’ confidence, team work, leadership, and communication skills.

More than 100 students have commenced a school-based traineeship with KGT over the past decade. Almost 25% have successfully completed their school-based traineeships, and of the six students who graduated in 2013, all have gone onto commence fulltime traineeships or apprenticeships.

The KEFL program has created a critical link between the school and business community. Many of the local businesses who have become involved in the program have gone on to employ students on a full-time basis in a traineeship or apprenticeship either through KGT or directly. This demonstrates that the program is achieving its core objective of assisting students make the transition from school to work.

KEFL students have become role models within the community and as one 2013 Year 12 KEFL graduate says; “Some of the things I do to encourage others to enter into an apprenticeship are by turning up to work and having a good relationship with my workmates and by doing the right thing at all times. As a school based trainee I provide a good role model for Year 8-10 secondary students at KDHS”.