St Raphael’s Stage 5 Students “Try a Trade” with TAFE NSW

Stage 5 students from St Raphael’s Catholic School are rolling up their sleeves and diving into the world of trades, thanks to an exciting partnership with TAFE NSW Cowra Campus. Over seven weeks, students are participating in the Try a Trade program, gaining valuable hands-on experience across a range of industries including construction, joinery, automotive, engineering, and electrical work. The program is part of the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program, a government initiative that connects secondary schools with local employers to create meaningful career exploration opportunities. Designed to expose students to real-world work environments, Try a Trade helps participants learn practical skills, explore various trade pathways, and understand what’s involved in each profession. As they rotate through the different trades, students engage in tasks and projects guided by industry professionals and TAFE educators. These experiences not only build confidence and technical ability but also open up valuable conversations about future employment and training options. “Programs like this help students make informed decisions about their career paths,” said Mr David Lette, Leader of Learning Pathways at St Raphael’s Catholic School . “They also foster strong links between education and industry, which benefits both students and local employers.” Employers, in turn, have the chance to meet potential future apprentices, share insights into their industries, and contribute to developing trade-ready young people. With skills shortages in many trade sectors, initiatives like Try a Trade play a vital role in building a skilled and capable workforce for the future.