When the mandatory school attendance age was changed to 17, students who would normally have left at year 10 found that option was not necessarily open to them.

The change has played an important part in maximising education for those who would have left without an apprenticeship or job to go to, but the reality is that school is not for everybody and a certain number of students in the school system would no doubt be frustrated with having to remain.

The Bembooka Trade Skills Centre is an ideal solution for students in this situation, or those who want to try their hand at something trade-based. It is a place to start building a TAFE-level qualification to then seek employment, or to pursue further studies and training.

The move ensures that whether students pursue a trade or university education, schooling still meets both needs.

With tourism a major economic driver in Orange, the hospitality industry will no doubt benefit from Bembooka’s hospitality graduates. 

If regional infrastructure development keeps its current momentum, the construction graduates should also find a compatible employer.

It’s also encouraging to see other schools and organisations start to take advantage of the investment and perhaps this concept of introducing practical skills to education could be extended to other areas.

In the rush to finish the Higher School Certificate and get through university, some of adult life’s basic skills often find themselves on the sidelines, things like changing car tyres and oil, recognising a blown fuse or replacing a worn tap washer.

Programs are already available to teach older women who live alone skills like these, but with many young people living independently as they follow their paths through study and work, there may be another market.