AN increased demand in the number of TAFE level courses taught at high school has sparked the need to implement new training programs for Bunbury’s secondary teachers.
According to the Training Council, Certificate II in business is the highest used qualification in secondary schools.
Numbers have continued to increase in recent years, with almost 4,000 students enrolling in the qualification in 2014.
Financial training council project manager Alison Sweet said it was crucial there are more training days for teachers, as the numbers of students taking business courses are expected to increase because of the changes to Vocational Education Training framework.
“We hope to support better practice and expand the students learning skills,” Ms Sweet said.
“Some teachers are not happy with the skills the kids are coming out with and we hope to change this by conducting more workshops and training days to educate teachers.
“By bringing a range of industry stakeholders to an audience of teachers, a wide variety of information can be provided and discussed, making industry engagement with the sector effective for both parties.”
The South West Institute of Technology held a successful industry professional day to inform teachers about the current business environment and how to translate skills and knowledge into school classrooms.
South West Institute of Technology business development manager Cathy McGill said the South West aimed to be a regional base for professional development for industry.
Bunbury Wellington Small Business Centre chief executive officer Fiona Fitzgerald spoke at the event about how soft skills are translated into the workforce.
“The day was a mix of everything, it was basically about bridging the gap between the business course and then working in the field,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“I spoke about the impact that attitude, presentation and readiness for work has and what the business expects from its employees.”
Ms Sweet said there has been a strong interest to run another course and there was a proposed date for the end of the year.
For more information contact alison.sweet@fapstc.org.au
