On the same page when it comes to jobs for youth

On the same page (Demo)

Apprenticeships for Northern Adelaide’s young people play an important part in the economic and social health of the region, according to Chairman of the Northern Economic Plan Steve Ludlam.

Mr Ludlam and Northern Economic Plan Director Laki Kondylas stopped by St Patrick’s Technical College today to meet with new Principal Danny Deptula and the Skilling Australia Foundation’s Northern Adelaide P-TECH Industry Liaison Officer Toni Hartley.

The group discussed similar ideals in seeing more Northern Adelaide youth being put into apprenticeships.

‘We like to see what different organisations are doing and how we can work together to provide support for apprenticeships,’ Mr Ludlam said.

Mr Ludlam said the Northern Economic Plan had done a lot of work around supporting the workers during the recent closure of the Holden factor at Elizabeth but also wanted to ensure pathways to employment are open and accessible for the region’s youth. In particular, Mr Ludlam said growing the area’s Defence industries would see more jobs for youth and benefit the region in the long term.

Mr Deptula said StPatsTech had a tradition of fostering strong links with industry.

‘We have had more than 820 young people signed up to an apprenticeship because our students are learning the skills that industry need and want,’ Mr Deptula said.

‘Being responsive to industry demands means that local businesses can source local workers and this has a wonderful flow-on effect across our entire community as well as changing the life of that young person placed into an apprenticeship or traineeship.’

With the College introducing the P-TECH Australia program in 2017 with a focus on Defence industries, Mr Deptula said the school was well aligned to help provide the modern workforce employers will need as the Defence space expands in Adelaide.

The Northern Economic Plan covers the local government areas of Playford City, Salisbury City and Port Adelaide Enfield City.

Pictured from left is St Patrick’s Technical College Principal Danny Deptula with Northern Economic Plan Director Laki Kondylas and Chairman Steve Ludlam and College Industry Partnerships Manager Toni Hartley on a tour of the school’s Metals and Engineering workshop.