7 October, 2020

A Narrandera high school student who has enjoyed a hands-on position in local government for two years has thanked TAFE NSW for helping him “earn and learn”.

Ned McLeod, 17, is in the second year of a business administration school-based traineeship with Narrandera Shire Council, a unique arrangement where students work on-the-job one day a week, study at TAFE NSW one day a week, and attend school for the remaining three days.

Ned hopes the practical skills and experience he has gained gives him the competitive edge to transition into a full-time job with the council when he completes his HSC next month.

“I did work experience with council in year 10 and they mentioned the traineeship to me … the idea of leaving school with a qualification seemed really appealing,” Ned said.

“It’s really helping me build up a strong work ethic and to be qualified faster. To have the opportunity to get workplace skills before leaving school is a huge advantage and I just want to see where it takes me.”

The born-and-bred local hopes to be offered a full-time position at council after completing his HSC and eventually train to become a town planner.

He said the chance to learn a different side of the industry through a Certificate III in Business Administration at TAFE NSW Narrandera, and then apply it to the job, was also invaluable.

“Town planning is just so interesting and I like the idea you can do a job that helps shape the future of your community,” Ned said.

Narrandera Shire Council general manager George Cowan praised the school-based traineeships concept and said TAFE NSW Narrandera was a lifeline for the local business community.

“Ned is a decent young guy and he’s done very well in the structure here,” Mr Cowan said.

“None of this would have happened without having access to TAFE NSW locally and having the Connected Learning Centre here has been a real boon to the local business community.”

To find out more about studying a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship at TAFE NSW, speak to your school career advisor, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au/ambition

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner, 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428.