1. Education, Training and Employment 1.1 Subjects, Courses and Training Options Youth Response • Young people wanted a wider range of subjects/course options available at both Schools and at TAFE (Goldfields Institute of Technology). Examples included particular subjects, areas of interest, increasing TEE subject options and online learning. • There were several comments from young people wanting to have first aid training (also better knowledge of emergency response). School was noted as a potential place to provide this training opportunity through. • A number of young people recognised the benefits of developing life skills and resilience and felt this could be supported in workshops/ lessons. Subject examples included home keeping, cost of living/budgeting and preparing for work. • A number of young people felt that they were not given the option to choose the school subjects they wanted to do based on their grades (which included a B average). They wanted to have their choices respected and not overlooked if they had the capacity to pass the subject. • Young people wanted more places to study, access to tertiary (university) studies in Esperance and associated regional support (not Perth-based support as the coubntry challenges are not always understood). • They also wanted to see more apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities available in the Esperance community. Stakeholders Response Like the young people, the stakeholders also suggested first aid training, life skills development and hands on learning/training. One suggestion was to involve young people in running a catering business at school with aim to build skills in all aspects of the business. Offering an array of activity based one day workshops such as cooking, bike maintenance and kayaking could also contribute to learning and development. Online learning was seen as a potential area to encourage and support learning across a diverse range of areas however support from local staff was also important. They also wanted to see more options for training, apprenticeships and traineeships. 1.2 Learning Support Youth Response • There was numerous comments from young people with relation to improving and/or providing learning support. In-class support was suggested as was free one-on-one tutoring (after school) by a numerous mix of young people. • There was specific mention of self-paced learning; classes to suit individual level of learning; progression of subject based on each individual’s understanding and not the overall group; teachers to consider a slower pace to ensure everyone has the opportunity ‘to get it’; and follow up and attention to those who are falling behind. • They recognised that troubled kids were often given up on, however saw value in alternative learning programs which were more hands on and specialised such as providing a Clontarf for Girls. Stakeholders Response The stakeholders made very similar comments to the young people including a need for self-paced learning, one-on-one support, hands-on and engaging learning practices and offering free tutoring. More support for teachers in class rooms was also recognised, noting that each child was different.
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