OUR RURAL PERSPECTIVE VISTA Conference 2008 Jo Devereaux

VET Access Bus

VET Access Bus framework  Evolving model since 2002  In reach model for students of the Wimmera Southern Mallee to Horsham for delivery of VETiS  Community partnerships

Rationale  Limited choice of VET programs  Geographical isolation  Little public transport access  Impact on parents time and cost  Small numbers of students  Registered training organisations in central location

Travel Times  Early start – 7:00am start  Long day – 6:30pm return  Long distances – 120+ km’s  One and a half hours plus each way  Tired students

VET programs o Now 13 programs on offer o AgricultureAutomotive o BuildingBusiness o Community ServicesEngineering o EquineFurnishing o HorticultureHospitality o Hair & BeautyMultimedia o Music

Student numbers  13 schools  Student numbers: Year Students Bus

Why use this model?  Number of partnerships  VET identified as an important school engagement tool  Transport an important part of access and equity  Social interaction

Partnerships  13 secondary schools, VET cluster  Students and families  4 LGA’s  Wimmera Transport Connections  Department of Infrastructure  Local bus companies  Registered Training Organisations  WSM LLEN, LCP  DEECD

Budget $90,000  Schools contribute % of total students even if few students use the bus  Department of Infrastructure  In kind and executive support from WSM LLEN and LCP for administration, previously Yarriambiack Shire  Commitment from local bus companies

Budget A collaborative model involving direct funding from  13 secondary schools  Students and families  Department of Infrastructure  WSMLLEN

Other points  Displan developed  Bus captains appointed  Code of conduct  Strong social connection with other students  Visit to regional city  Choice of VET programs because of larger critical mass of students

Other points  Grass roots solution to a local problem  Unique model  Development of links with existing school bus routes  Involvement of Department of Infrastructure

Other points  Needs to be part of existing infrastructure  Strategic planning for sustainability  Recognition of transport as part of VET delivery in rural areas  Higher uptake of traineeships & apprenticeships  Impact on skill shortages

University destination for WSMLLEN 31% compared to Victoria average of 47% Traineeships 10% compared to Victoria 3.6% Apprentices 8% compared to Victoria 4.5% Working full time 18% compared to Victoria 10%

WSMLLEN deferrals 12.4% compared to Victoria 8.9% Working full time 8.9% compared to Victoria 5.9% VET entry level 6% compared to Victoria 4% VET cert IV + 7% compared to 14.9%

Apprenticeship rates 41% compared to Victoria 30% Looking for work 9% compared to Victoria 15% VET entry level 14% compared to Victoria 11.6% VET Cert IV+ 2% compared to Victoria 4%

Thank you!