RDA Far South Coast—Shoalhaven STEMship launch addresses youth unemployment

The Shoalhaven STEMship program, a collaboration between RDA Far South Coast, RDA Hunter, Defence NSW, Training Services NSW and the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group, was launched at Global Defence Solutions in Nowra on 27 July 2019.

Funded by the NSW Government, the program identifies industries with shortages and provides an alternative pathway to employment for secondary school students and young people transitioning out of school. Over 17 weeks, participants will complete a Certificate II in Aeroskills through a combination of study at Aerospace Training Services and on the job training. It is hoped that 50% of participants will secure an apprenticeship or traineeship at the completion of the course.

At the launch RDA Far South Coast's Chair, Rob Pollock, noted the mismatch between current and future job opportunities and the skill sets of Shoalhaven's youth, and the NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, the Hon Dr Geoff Lee MP, spoke of the shortage of skilled people not able to keep up with the demand of the defence industry.

L-R: Jayden Dunshea (STEMship student); David Collins (Executive Director, Training Services NSW); Jayden Simms (STEMship student); Wylie Townsend (STEMship student); Jacob Norton (STEMship student); Nicola Douet (STEMship student); the Hon Dr Geoff Lee MP (NSW Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education); Cr Rob Pollock OAM (Chair, RDA FSC); the Hon. Gareth Ward MP (NSW Minister for Family and Community Services); Air Marshall (ret) John Harvey AM (NSW Defence Advocate); Tyson Lambden (STEMship student); Jesse Marino-Tester (STEMship student); Corey Plummer (STEMship student); Seth Seidel (STEMship student); Bailey Cosgrove (STEMship student).