2016
Finalist
Western Australia

A collaboration of Kwinana Industries Council, several industries and high schools.

Kwinana is Perth’s major industrial hub and accounts for approximately 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. Kwinana Industries Council established the Education Development Program (EDP) to address youth unemployment and supply future workers by developing students’ work ready capacity.

The EDP is a unique partnership involving local industry employers and businesses, training providers and 19 local private and publicly funded high schools. The program aims to inspire students, build their confidence and expand their career aspirations. Its high success rate reflects the quality of relevant training developed in consultation with industry, and the opportunity for students to display their skills to potential employers through five-week blocks of on-the-job training.

The EDP is improving the connection between Kwinana industries and local education providers and assisting young people in the area. With over 900 participants since 2012, the program is transforming young people’s futures by taking a proactive approach to addressing youth unemployment in the region.