Murray Youth Employment and Training Network
This project involved the development of a youth employment and training strategy for the Albury-Wodonga region, including of new ways to improve education, training and employment outcomes for young people, particularly those at risk of not finding work in the Albury area.
The project was completed in December 2005 and the final report indicates that two initiatives of MYETN 'Industry Bridge to Schools' and 'L Plate for Industry' have received strong community support with a shift in local community perceptions and knowledge of career opportunities offered by local industry to youth in the area.
The ‘L Plate for Industry’ initiative launched a campaign which put a renewed focus on the importance of training and employing young people as a strategy to meet labour shortages. The campaign highlights different career options and pathways available in the Albury-Wodonga region and demystifying some of the programs available and addresses one of the many solutions available to address skills shortages in the region.
The Industry Bridge to Schools initiative involved teams of students from local schools, each working with a local industry mentor to design, build and race a remote controlled solar powered car. The initiative fosters partnerships between local industry and schools and engages students in quality learning, develops employability skills, increases their awareness of career opportunities in the local manufacturing industry and responds to regional skill shortages. Each team of students is provided with the basic components to build the car and a budget to cover the costs of further materials used. The teams undertake research on solar energy and perform experimental work using a vide variety of engineering concepts with a strong focus on design innovation and creativity to ensure the vehicles remain competitive and functional in the final race setting. The first Solar Car Race was organised in Albury in 2004. Following the enthusiasm and interest from industry and students, the second Solar Car Race was organised in December 2005 and the race has now become an annual event and is also receiving support from Commonwealth Government under Career Advise Australia Adopt a School program.
The project also developed an Employers Resource Guide and a School Leavers Resource Kit in partnership with North East Local Learning and Employment Network Inc. The Employers Resource Guide describes the positive ways to engage with schools and young people in local region and the School Leavers Resource Kit assists the young people in understanding the choices available and places from where they can get help and support needed.
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