Finding their place at work
10 September 2009
Kangan Batman TAFE's second year information technology students will be taking their learning into the workplace in the coming months, as the IT department rolls out a new industry-based training program.
Department manager Terry McNamara said the program was a simple and effective way to provide students with hands on learning while establishing important links with industry.
"We were recently visited by a representative from Multimedia Victoria, a division of the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, who promoted the benefits of Industry Based Learning (IBL)," Terry said.
"Instantly, we could see great value in such a program for our students particularly our second years. They get hands on work experience while developing their communication skills and learning how things operate in the workplace."
Students taking part in the program already have a solid understanding of the IT industry, having completed either a Certificate IV in IT or the first year of a two-year Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering.
The one-day-a-week work placement will see the students undertake general IT duties and start establishing industry connections which could lead to on-going employment.
Kangan Batman TAFE's ICT teaching department will provide backup and support during the course of the work experience placement where needed.
"We're hoping that many of the students will get a reference from their host organisation at the end of the placement, which will be invaluable when the students are applying for work," Terry said.
"Their job application can say that they have a qualification and they have experience."
There are plenty of benefits for the participating employers as well. Businesses participating in the program can access relatively cheap, skilled labour while supporting a valuable learning tool for an up-and-coming industry workforce.
Several local businesses have already shown interest in taking part in the program.
"It's too early to gauge the success of this initiative, but I'm confident it will be a win-win situation for all involved," Terry said.
"We intend to make this an ongoing program, and even plan to send out current first year students with a second year student later this year so we can have a handover to continue into next year."
For more information on the program or to register your business as an industry partner, contact Terry McNamara on 9279 2431.
