* Design a more balanced education program for indigenous students where general education subjects can be integrated into a more structured work education and observation program.

* Where possible, the program is delivered in community or industry sites.

* Students are exposed to aquaculture through a more intensive work experience program in Year 10.

* Early introduction to accredieted modules in Aquaculture traineeships through an innovative action learning based approach.

* Establish models to general and vocational education that provides better context for general subjects.

* Identify and develop community and industry mentors to provide practical support to individual students.

* Success of the project will be measured by the number of students continuing their secondary education and participating in vocational programs in subsequent years.

* Two Eyre Peninsula and one York Peninsula schools identified by Seafood Training SA Inc to participate in the project.

* Participation by Seafood Industry employers in each community:Tuna Farms, Abalone Farms, Fishing Companies, Oyster and Mussel Leases and Fish Processors.

* Year 10 students interviewed individually to ascertain literacy and numeracy skills, attitudes towards school and learning, perception of life after school, interest areas for work experience.

* Data collated regarding issues for Aboriginal students and learning outcomes, how students are prepared for work experience and organisation of work placements.

* Activities organised prior to work experience using resources of local Aboriginal communities and local seafood industries, including site visits, guest speakers, and videos.

* Work experience organised for students interested in placements in the Seafood Industry. Work placements monitored.

* Students interviewed after work experience about success of week of work, subject choice for the following year and overall attitude towards school.

* Year 11 students interviewed individually to ascertain attitude towards school and learning, perception of life after school, interest areas for employment after education, and interest level towards participation in a School based Traineeship in 2001.

OUTCOMES TO DATE

* Aboriginal community involvement in pre-work experience program.

* Industry - school links established for work experience and work placement programs.

* New Seafood Training Package introduced to schools in Eyre Region.

* Contact maintained with parents/caregivers throughout project.

* Career awareness activities organised for Years 8 & 9 indigenous students including regional employment trends, career aspirations, goal setting and use of technology.

Brian Henson
Eyre Management Services
henson@camtech.net.au
Phone: 08 8683 3933