Cadet Work Experience

The Gillard Labor Government will invest $25 million to ensure school students gain experience and confidence in a real work environment as part of the National Trade Cadetship being delivered in Trades Training Centres.

Up to 50,000 additional structured work experience places will be provided, with the first cohort of students undertaking a National Trade Cadetship in 2012 to be the first to benefit.

There is evidence that students who have a good understanding of what will be involved in an apprenticeship and good foundation skills are more likely to finish their apprenticeship.

Students need to understand the practical side of their training and gain experience and confidence in a real work environment before making decisions about their future careers and committing to an apprenticeship. These 50,000 work experience places will provide students with the opportunity to experience firsthand what will be involved in particular trades and industries.

This work experience component will build on the clearly defined, robust, nationally recognised and consistent pathways the National Trade Cadetships will deliver for students who want to pursue a career in the trades.