Forty four School Based Trainees have fast-tracked their careers by creating their own pathway to job opportunities in the Western Australian State Government.  So, how have they done it?  By completing a Public Sector School Based Traineeship – that’s how.

On Tuesday 6th October more than 200 guests including Chief Executive Officers, supervisors, family and friends, Vocational Education and Training coordinators, and Principals gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduates of the 2009 School Based Traineeship Program at a special graduation ceremony held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. 

Acknowledging their inspiring efforts and dedication, Public Sector Commission A/Deputy Commissioner Dr Kim Schofield welcomed the graduates to the ceremony and congratulated them on their success and achievement in completing a School Based Traineeship. 

Dr Schofield also praised the involvement of the numerous public sector agencies, schools, and organisations responsible for the efficient coordination of the program. 

“I would like to commend all of the participants of the School Based Traineeship Program for their ongoing commitment, support, and encouragement.  The success of programs such as these depends on your support and involvement”.

The graduates were invited on stage to accept their Certificate II in Business or Information Technology from the Minister for Training. 

So what is the School Based Traineeship Program (SBTP)?  Now in its 12th year, the SBTP is a WA State Government joint initiative between the Public Sector Commission and the Department of Education and Training designed to give young people the opportunity to undertake employment-based training in the WA Public Sector, earn a part time wage, and gain a nationally recognised qualification, all while completing their WA Certificate of Education.

Students commence the program in Year 11 and finish in Year 12, spending three days at school and working two days in a public sector agency.  Upon successful completion of the program, each graduate receives either a Certificate II in Business or Information Technology.

While completing their School Based Traineeship, students learn valuable business, office, and administration skills, and are able to smoothly transition from a school environment into a work pathway. 

The Public Sector Commission is responsible for the promotion of the program to agencies and metropolitan Government schools, the referral and selection process and provides traineeship advice and support to public sector agencies.  PSC works closely with Swan Education Industry Training Association (SEITA) who provide workplace training and coordination services for the Trainees, Employment Directions, the Registered Training Organisation who facilitates the program’s delivery and assessment, and the Australian Medical Association, who arrange all the training contracts for the program.

With the largest cohort of graduating School Based Trainees in the history of the program finishing their traineeships at the end of October, where to now for the graduates?  A number of the School Based Trainees have secured ongoing employment within the public sector, some are progressing to complete another traineeship at a higher qualification level, and some are heading off to do further studies. 

Wherever the graduating School Based Trainees decide to head, the future for WA is looking brighter with such a talented and motivated group of young people entering the next phase of their life.

Congratulations to all of our 2009 program graduates!

Photo: 2009 School Based Trainees - Click on the photo for a larger version and the names of the graduates