The program aimed to help disengaged students find an area of study they would be interested in and assist them in finding a suitable career path following their education.

Coleman McConville of Skillinvest said the program gave the students a taste of a number of different trades. 

“The aim of the program was to keep kids engaged in learning,” Mr McConville said.

“We did a 23-week program and the students studied an area in four different trades and learned a bit about each trade.

“We wanted them to get some interest and maybe get into a trade down the line.”

Mr McConville said the participation rates were “really pleasing”.

“We had good turnouts,” he said.

“We worked on the numbers of 18 to 19 participating in the program and had about 15 to 16 kids turn up each week, which is great.

“The kids were much more engaged through the trades than they would be at school.”

Colton Preusker was one of those students who took up the program with Skillinvest. He said he found the program to be stimulating and enjoyable. 

“I’m more hands-on, so it was good fun doing the program,” he said.

“I want to try and get an apprenticeship in engineering. That’s what I’m aiming for.”

Horsham College assistant principal Adam Ross said the program was successful.

He said the school would look at running the program again next year. 

“We wanted to engage our disengaged learners in an alternate program and provide them a pathway into work in Horsham,” Mr Ross said. 

“For the younger kids, we wanted them to get them earlier on the pathway towards a trade. One hundred per cent it will run again next year.

“If it runs really well, we will try and expand that to other trades in the area.”

The students will now look at either going into apprenticeships or completing a VET course with the ultimate goal that they find a job in a desired field.