Headstart

Head Start is a new education pathway for secondary school students that complements school-based education with an apprenticeship or traineeship. Students can choose to complete their VCE or VCE VM over three years alongside paid on-the-job training that leads to a qualification.

Head Start is designed to give students the confidence, capabilities and skills that employers in growth industries need. The program recognises that students learn in different ways, have different passions and empower their own career choices.

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WHY GET A HEAD START?

Head Start students receive:

• career planning advice from the school career practitioner to find the right pathway
• a Head Start Pathway Plan tailored to the specific needs of the student and the employer
• one-on-one support from a Head Start Coordinator to keep students on the right track
• quality-assured training through TAFEs and Skills First contracted providers
• a VCE or VCE VM certificate
• significant progress towards, or completion of, a trade qualification
• payment of a fair training wage
• a tailored pathway into a priority industry career.

HEAD START COURSES

Head Start students can choose from apprenticeships and traineeships in key industries such as building, construction, community services and health, business and primary industries.

Over time the focus will expand to new high-end, technology based courses to meet the growing needs of businesses.

HOW DOES HEAD START WORK WITH SCHOOL?

Depending on the requirement of the employer, it is expected that at a minimum students will undertake paid employment for:

• one day per week in Year 10
• two days per week in Year 11
• three days per week paid in Year 12

Year 12 may be undertaken over two years if required.

To learn more about the program and become a Head Start employer, visit:  www.education.vic.gov.au/headstart