Labour Party

New work skills programme for Hamilton students

11.10.2007

Students at Fraser High School will next year take part in trades training and work experience, earning credits towards an apprenticeship while they are still at school.

Hamilton West MP Martin Gallagher says the local pilot for the Youth Apprentices Programme gives participating students a head start with an apprenticeship they can continue once they leave school

"The young people taking part in this pilot will already be on the path to an apprenticeship and skilled employment by the time they leave school. They can also choose more academic tertiary training in the area," said Martin Gallagher.

"I know from my meetings with local employers that they need skilled-up workers to help them innovate and grow, to create a higher-value, knowledge-based economy capable of competing in a globalised market," said Martin Gallagher.

"The single most crucial difference we can make for lower-income Waikato families is to help them develop their work skills and knowledge. It puts them in demand from employers, gives them job choices now and in the future, and enables them to develop a stronger stake in their community.

"So it's great for students around Hamilton West that we have a government that is actively working to encourage and restore apprenticeships and specialised trades training."

The Youth Apprenticeships pilot builds on existing programmes like the Gateway Programme, which offers secondary students hands-on work experience outside the classroom.

Fraser has shown excellent leadership in being a significant lead school in developing and promoting the very successful Gateway programme.

Fraser High School is one of ten across the country that will take part in the pilot programme from next year.