Indigenous School Links with Industry

Introduction
This program commenced in 2000 to increase the retention rate of Indigenous students by partnering with:

Schools
TAFE
Industry
Parents, and
the wider community.

Who has to be involved?
To date 273 students, 14 years old, from seven schools have completed ISLIP, 73 students are undertaking the program in 2007

How does it happen?
Whilst undertaking Year 10 studies selected Students are enrolled at CQIT to undertake the “Course in Your Future, Your Choice for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People” by:

Building confidence based on cultural identity to deal with difficult situations
Determining future work and training to suit individual needs
Developing a future work and training plan

This course is delivered by culturally appropriate Teachers, Community Elders and Indigenous Role-Models are engaged as Guest Speakers. The students are supported at TAFE by School Project Teachers and the MRSILS’s ISLIP Coordinator

ISLIP Activities

Students attend TAFE one day a week to undertake their studies.
Complete relevant structured work-place learning
Complete personal portfolios and SET plan
On-going case management and individual student support
Regular Reference Group meetings with key stakeholders and on-going support to schools so they may incorporate best practices learnt.
Graduation ceremony
TAFE Student Support Officer Adam Doull leads students on a cultural studies tour.

Why Does it Work?

Current benchmarks for student achievement (lit & num), career aspirations and factors affecting school performance are established at the start and the end of the program and monitored.
Students successfully complete a range of structured activities that enhance their personal and career awareness.
It improves the students employment, training and educational opportunities by promoting and motivating the students desire to learn through innovative, culturally appropriate and effective techniques tailored to suit the needs of Indigenous students.
It involves Parents, the Indigenous community and is supported by the Elders.
It developed employer confidence in employing Indigenous young people.
Students undertake cultural studies with a Community Elder at a local site.
Supports Education and Training Reforms for the Future (ETRF)!
Assists students to develop their SET Plans
Encourages retention to school in Years 11 and 12 and further education and/or a SBA or Traineeship or Apprenticeship
Provides teachers and industry mentors with a knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures.
Builds closer connections between families, schools and the wider community.

Quotes from Students:
“I recommend ISLIP should go forever because it is so educational and your learning about your culture at the same time and it gives you guidance in getting a job and it is good to see darkies from different cultures come together.”