The Canobolas Rural Technology High School has seven students in years 11 and 12 taking part in the Aboriginal school-based traineeship program, in education and health.

Students combine their HSC studies with paid work and TAFE commitments. 

The initiative is only in its second year at the school, but acting head teacher of Aboriginal education Tim Bennett says it has been a massive success. 

The school actively sought to bring the program to students, and is reaping the rewards. 

“These students wouldn’t have even stayed in school,” Mr Bennett said. 

“They’re now looking at a pathway which leads them to work. 

“It’s a really worthwhile system. It builds skills and confidence.” 

Student Maddy Leonard admitted that if it was not for her traineeship, she would not have made it to year 12. 

“I probably wouldn’t have been at school,” she said. 

Closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous school attendance within five years is a key target of the Prime Minister’s 2015 Closing the Gap report, released in early February. 

The report says “there is no doubt school attendance has a strong impact on school results for Indigenous students. This in turn affects educational attainment and employment prospects.”

School principal Chad Bliss said the traineeships were one of many programs the school offered to ensure students had every opportunity to further develop their educational commitment and values. 

“We’re giving them the best foundations on which to achieve success,” he said.

The program is not only proving beneficial to The Canobolas Rural Technology High students.

By working at Bletchington, Glenroi and Bowen public schools, as well as the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, the trainees are passing on their knowledge to the younger generation. 

“You do need education to have a better life,” student Sam Clifford said.