A “crew” of TAFE NSW students have had a dramatic taste of what it’s like to work aboard Marine Rescue HQ as part of a unique program.

The students, from Wauchope and Port Macquarie attended a training day with the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie this week as part of the TAFE NSW Youth Engagement Strategy (YES), which is an early intervention initiative aimed at high-school students to try and reduce the number of young people that are lost from the education and training system.

Students who participated attended the training at Marine Rescue HQ and got to head out on the water in a Marine Rescue vessel to learn how to recover someone who has fallen overboard at sea. In teams, the students practised saving an 85-kilogram dummy that had “fallen” overboard. Other exercises included securing the boat to a wharf and towing a vessel.

TAFE NSW Maritime Teacher Geoff Shelton said the training gave students the opportunity to experience what it was like to learn in an adult environment.

“There are countless career paths available in the maritime industry and this day was a taster for students to experience just some of what goes on in the water. Sometimes people lack the inspiration or knowledge of all job opportunities and the YES program introduces students to career pathways which they may not have considered,” Mr Shelton said.

“The students had a great time and left with smiles on their faces. Maritime may or may not be the right industry for them but students’ horizons are opening up by being exposed to new opportunities and skills.

“They were all attentive, inspired and keen kids and I think it’s proof that some people learn better in different environments, we just need to offer those opportunities to youth to keep them on the right track.”

A student who attended the training day, Ryan Kaczorowski from Port High Public School, said the experience was fun and an interesting day out.

“I learn best by doing things and being active rather than sitting in a classroom and this training program taught me that I can continue further education without having to sit behind a desk,” he said.

“I’m still not quite sure what I want to do in the future but I am getting exposed to more options, which I think is the best way to decide.”

YES programs are delivered through a partnership between TAFE NSW and schools.

TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest training provider, offering over 1,200 courses, from certificates to degrees. Many can be studied online via TAFE Digital. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au