The state government announced that it will investigate rolling out a statewide program aimed at helping injured workers to re-skill as Vocational Education Trainers.
Education Minister Ben Carroll visited Ringwood Secondary College on Monday, August 12, where former boilermaker Nick Holloway will teach Engineering and Metal Fabrication after completing the VET Trainer Career Pathway Pilot Program.
Mr Holloway worked for roughly 20 years as a boilermaker until a worksite accident severely injured his arm, leaving him unable to return to work.
While completing rehabilitation through WorkCover, his occupational therapist recommended the state’s pilot program, which he started in July 2023.
Now, Mr Holloway will soon deliver VET courses to students at Ringwood Secondary College.
Following an assessment of the VET Trainer Career Pathway Pilot Program, the state will look at rolling it out across Victoria.
Mr Carrol said that the program is aimed at assisting both injured workers and schools.
“This program is giving injured workers the chance to retrain as educators and train the next generation of workers – while helping schools meet the growing demand for VET trainers,” he said.
The nine-month pilot program provides the theoretical and hands-on training required to become a VET Trainer.
At the conclusion of the program, participants are qualified to teach their specialty VET course in schools, TAFEs or Registered Training Organisations, and learn specialist skills to support the learning needs of school-aged students.
Last year 53,820 Victorian secondary school students included VET in their studies – the third consecutive year of increased enrolments.
Details: schools.vic.gov.au/professional-learning-programs-vocational-and-applied-learning.
