The Work-Related Alternate Pathway (WRAP) program began in 2011 with a twenty-two Year 11 students. So far forty students have completed the program or left school to enter employment or a training program such as a pre-apprenticeship at TAFE. There are currently thirty-one students across stage six enrolled in WRAP.
This stage six program was created in response to legislation that mandated an increase in the school leaving age to seventeen. It is tailored for HSC students that do not wish to pursue an Australian Territory Admission Rank (ATAR) and are looking to gain entry into the world of work. All students spend one day per week at Work Experience and are enrolled in two Board Developed Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. Board Endorsed courses make up the rest of their timetable. This pattern of enrolment ensures that at the end of year twelve they will complete an HSC.
The WRAP program has built partnerships with a wide range of employers in the local area and feedback from these employers has informed our delivery of curriculum and career advice. Students were identified for WRAP by Year 10 teachers through consultation with the Careers Adviser and Year Adviser. Along with the rest of the Year 10 cohort future WRAP student explore future pathways through the organising of sample senior school lessons, university and TAFE excursions, TRADES Pathway TASTER program, and a Trades Road Show excursion.
Of the eighteen WRAP students among the HSC cohort of 2012 fifty percent are employed as apprentices, thirty-five percent are otherwise employed and ten percent are studying at TAFE or private colleges.
Of the twenty WRAP student among the 2013 HSC cohort thirty-five percent are in apprenticeships, thirty-five percent are employed, and twenty percent are studying at TAFE.