MINISTER for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni visited the region last week for a free training and skills forum.
The forum, which took place last Thursday afternoon at the Berri Hotel, focused on small business job creation, strengthening workforces, labour force challenges and how potential employees can develop skills for the future in the region.
Mr Pisoni also visited a number of businesses last Friday for information sessions, such as Renmark’s Almondco, Costa Group and Loxton’s Research Centre.
Mr Pisoni said he received a positive response from the forum.
“The message was certainly consistent in the Riverland as it was in other regional areas,” he said.
“Locals were very pleased to hear about the new vocational pathways that will be starting next year, which includes our Word of Work program.
“The program has a very exciting acronym – WOW – and will give students from year 7, which will next year be the first year of high school, exposure to the workforce.
“Students will be introduced to things like work experience and workers will go to schools to share their experiences and give students an idea of what job opportunities are out there.
“By the time students get to year 10, they’ll be in a position to decide whether or not they want to go to university and if they do they would have a good understanding of which degrees will get them a job.
“Alternatively, year 10 students could start a vocational pathway and possibly move into an apprenticeship from year 12.”