HUNTER River High School has become the state’s first “aerospace school” after partnering with four prominent businesses in the industry for the government’s pathways in technology pilot program.
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Through the P-Tech pilot, the Heatherbrae school will work with Jetstar Airways, Varley Group, BAE Systems and Ampcontrol to help students achieve better results in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and create school-to-technology industry job pathways.
“To be the first aerospace school in NSW is just incredible,” Hunter River High School principal Deb Dibley said.
“We have great facilities here already, and to be able to utlitise the facilities we already have more in line with that STEM idea, really looking at technology and different careers, not just trade careers, will really benefit our students.”
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham, joined by Liberal candidate for Paterson Karen Howard, visited Hunter River High on Wednesday to announce it was one of 12 schools across Australia that will pilot the $46 million P-Tech program.
Mr Birmingham said P-Tech was about “helping to skill local students for local jobs”, and one that would help to tackle the youth unemployment rates in Newcastle (11.3 per cent), the Hunter Valley (18.9) and Port Stephens (21).
“This P-Tech pilot at Hunter River High is designed to help young people develop the skills they need for the jobs of the future,” he said.
“Our investment for this P-Tech pilot at Hunter River High will fund specific supports to encourage and facilitate collaboration between the school, Jetstar Airways, Varley Group, BAE Systems, Ampcontrol and other local aerospace businesses through Regional Development Australia Hunter.”
Regional Development Australia Hunter chief executive officer Todd Williams said Wednesday’s P-Tech announcement was “crucial” for the region.
“Not only is the P-Tech announcement important from an economic development point of view, the other thing that's really important about this announcement Hunter River High is now an aerospace high school – the first in NSW,” Mr Williams said.
“Now that's really important because we actually have one of Australia's largest Defence presences.
“The Joint Strike Fighter is coming in the next few years and industry needs skilled workers.
“One of our companies needs 200 skilled workers in the next two years. Where are they going to get them from?
“Now the relationship with Hunter River High – an aerospace high school – gives us the opportunity to work with those industries to fill those work spots in the future.”
It is anticipated year 9 students at Hunter River High will begin the P-Tech program in 2017.
