Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE

Investment strengthens industry-led post-school pathways

Thursday, 2 May 2024

The NSW Labor Government has committed to continuing a program that has supported more than 1,000 high school students to secure jobs.

The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program helps students engage directly with industry to explore different career paths or transition into work, apprenticeships, and traineeships or further study.

During the past three years, more than 3,000 industry partners have participated in RIEP activities with more than 180,000 students for more than 850 NSW schools.

The program has secured 1,000 direct employment outcomes for students since April 2021, including part-time jobs and school-based and full-time apprenticeships and traineeships.

Through the RIEP program, the Department is delivering on its Rural and Remote Education Strategy commitment to build strong industry partnerships to facilitate access to post-school pathways.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan today visited Madura Tea to see the outcomes of a RIEP-funded digital media and marketing workshop, which involved 120 Year 10 students from six northern NSW high schools.

Apex Ad Agency was one of the industry partners that supported the delivery of these workshops. All 28 students that connected with Apex Ad Agency have been offered work experience in Term 3.

Marketing content created by the students during the industry project element of the workshop will be used by Madura Tea Estates as upcoming social media content. 

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

"The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program has a strong record of success, and we are pleased to continue its investment in preparing students to support local industry.

"The RIEP program actively builds bridges for students to industry so they can upskill and leverage those networks in their careers.

"Students who connect with employers while still in school have improved employment, education and wellbeing outcomes that also lead to increased future earnings.

"But the benefits of this program extend beyond our students. For businesses, this program offers a unique opportunity to shape the workforce of the future."

Apex Ads Director + Partnership Developer Azzi Hamilton said:

"The RIEP program has provided the talented students with a unique opportunity to develop their digital marketing skills and apply these in a real-world context."

Madura Tea Digital Manager Kristy Porter said:

"We were absolutely delighted that Apex Ads chose to feature our Madura products in their digital learning initiative with the students. It was a unique opportunity to see our tea become a tool for education and witness firsthand the innovative ways the next generation engages with digital media and product storytelling."