Joint media release with Interim Parliamentary Leader of the Nationals Nigel Scullion
Students in Darwin will gain valuable real-world skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), thanks to the Turnbull Government’s new Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) pilot program.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said Casuarina Senior College in Darwin would be the first P-TECH in the Northern Territory and one of 14 pilots being set up in a $4.6 million expansion around Australia.
“The P-TECH at Casuarina Senior College will help students get the STEM skills they need for local jobs,” Minister Birmingham said.
“This innovative model of collaboration between education and industry will provide an industry supported pathway for young people in the NT and build the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“A key element of the pilot at Casuarina Senior College will be to implement strategies that encourage and support Indigenous students to engage in the P-TECH learning program.
“Combined with the Turnbull Government’s new schools funding plan that will deliver an extra $3,510 a year on average for each NT student, as well as our reforms to vocational education and training, the P-TECH pilot expansion will improve outcomes for students and set them up for the future.”
Interim Parliamentary Leader of the Nationals Nigel Scullion said the first P-TECH pilot site in the Northern Territory would help local industry skill up the future NT workforce.
“Maritime and defence industries are growing quickly in the NT so the Australian Industry and Defence Network will be the key partner on this P-TECH,” Minister Scullion said.
“I commend Casuarina Senior College for their involvement in this exciting initiative which allows students to engage in hands-on, project based learning, both at school and in the workplace, and assists them to make informed decisions about future careers and pathways.
“This P-TECH pilot site will commence in 2018 and ensure students in Casuarina are equipped with the skills they need to succeed at work.”
The Turnbull Government has announced eight of the 12 new P-TECH pilot sites, on top of two initial locations, with the remaining four sites to be determined in consultation with state and territory governments, non-government school authorities and industry.
For more information about the P-TECH pilot, visit https://www.education.gov.au/pathways-in-technology-p-tech-pilot