What the program does
RIEP explainer
Watch an explanation of the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program.
Video transcript - RIEP explainer
The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program designs and delivers bespoke opportunities for employers to connect with secondary schools. Through these connections, students learn about jobs and pathways to employment. They develop new skills and employer networks, allowing them to make informed decisions about their career pathways. Employers have the opportunity to educate students about their industry and actively participate in the development of talent pipelines.
Our team of dedicated RIEP officers work to create customised initiatives right across NSW, producing real-world experiences with lasting impact.
In February 2024, the RIEP program was secured as an ongoing service for schools and industry to continue bridging the gap between students and employers.
Ways for employers to connect with schools
No two RIEP initiatives look the same. RIEP officers design opportunities tailored to the needs of both the employer and the school. The RIEP program takes a long-term approach to building these connections, with a focus on providing a series of opportunities along a student’s pathway through school and into further training or employment.
This may begin by an employer connecting with large groups of students to generate awareness about an industry sector. This could include job-readiness training to set student’s expectations of the world of work. Interested students may explore this further through activities which provide hands-on experience of jobs in that industry. Following that exploration, students who wish to pursue a career in that industry are connected with employment or further training opportunities.
How to get involved
Start a conversation with your local RIEP officer to find out more. Contact riep@det.nsw.edu.au.
Case studies - RIEP Activities
Felix and Li’s Story
Gaining Through Training - Felix & Li’s Story
The "Gaining Through Training" program, initiated by the Shoalhaven Food Network and RIEP, aims to bridge the gap between schools and the hospitality industry. The program's primary goal is to inspire and motivate young students to pursue careers in hospitality, addressing workforce and skill shortages in the industry. By providing industry mentors, students gain practical experience and support in their career development. Participants like Felix have shown significant growth, improving their cooking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. The program has successfully given students the confidence and expertise needed to thrive in the hospitality sector.
Ebony's Story
Gaining Through Training – Ebony’s Story
Matt Upson from GWYLO in Mollymook shares his experience with the "Gaining Through Training" program, initiated by the Shoalhaven Food Network in collaboration with RIEP. The program aims to inspire and motivate young people to pursue careers in hospitality, addressing workforce shortages by connecting students with industry mentors. Matt highlights the program's success in providing students with practical experience, boosting their confidence, and polishing their skills in both front and back-of-house roles. Participants, like Ebony, have found new career paths and opportunities in the hospitality industry, with the program offering essential support and guidance.
BlueScope
Andy Sterling from BlueScope highlights the company's struggle to effectively communicate career opportunities to students due to difficulty in navigating school relationships. To address this, BlueScope partnered with RIEP, providing students with a comprehensive tour of BlueScope's operations. This program included interactions with apprentices and hands-on experience, which significantly helped students like Pepper Howard gain insight and confidence in the trade. Pepper secured a full-time apprenticeship for 2024 due to her participation in the program. The collaboration between BlueScope and the schools has proven to be highly beneficial, connecting students with valuable career opportunities in the industry.
Silverdale
Silverdale Farm & Mitch Beer, a horse trainer at Kembla Grange, highlight the benefits of the RIEP program, which aims to connect schools with local industries, including Thoroughbred Breeding and horse racing. There was a disconnection between schools and the Equine industry and through RIEP, they have established significant school partnerships and career pathways for students. The program includes industry tours and internships, offering students hands-on experience and exposure to various jobs. Students who disengaged in school found new motivation and direction through these real-world experiences. Participants like Harrison have gained confidence, teamwork skills, and job opportunities, solidifying their interest in agricultural careers and other local workforce sectors.
RIEP: Broken Hill Cyber Security Workshop
RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships), in collaboration with Investment NSW and Training Services NSW, addressed the cyber security workforce shortage through hands-on workshops with students in Far West NSW.
With a projected need for 17,000 additional cyber security professionals by 2026, RIEP identified this field as a viable VET pathway for Far West students as remote work opportunities are usually appealing for students who wish to maintain strong connections to their communities whilst having a thriving and competitive career pathway.
RIEP partnered with Retrospect Labs to create the first-ever cyber security career exploration event in Far West NSW, where 17 students participated, engaging with industry professionals and learning through presentations, hands-on activities, and interactive scenarios. The event covered topics like ethical hacking, information security, and personal data protection.
Targeting students in Years 9-11 with an already growing interest in coding, technology, and cyber security, the workshop aimed to inspire them to further pursue cyber security careers post schooling.
The launch was impressive as 60% of students who participated from Coomealla High School and Willyama High School in Far West NSW reported increased interest in cyber security careers and VET pathways post event.
Teachers and career advisers also noted improved student motivation and confidence through the interactive learning style and the students’ increased knowledge of the Cyber Security VET pathway’s that are available.
With the positive outcomes from the first Cyber Security Workshop, RIEP are planning to keep facilitating these events to inspire more students across NSW into Cyber Security.
For more information, contact the RIEP program at RIEP@det.nsw.edu.au.
RIEP St Nicholas
RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) in collaboration with St Nicholas Early Education addressed workforce shortages in Early Childhood by inspiring young talent into the field through the Pathways immersion program.
St Nicholas Early Education is an organisation dedicated to fostering the holistic development of children aged 0-5, focusing on cultural, spiritual, physical, and educational skills. Their vision goes beyond providing care; they aim to make a positive impact by creating inclusive environments that support children's moral, social, intellectual, and physical development.
St Nicholas Early Education identified the severe shortage of early childhood educators in the workforce and for them, it was crucial to be able to address this staffing gap by connecting with schools.
To connect with students, St Nicholas Early Education collaborated with RIEP. This partnership enabled them to engage with school students and encourage them to consider a career in early childhood education.
The Pathways Immersion Program has two key components. The first is ‘Pathways Grow’ which is a 4 week-long induction program for students into the Early Childhood sector and is catered for students interested in applying for a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) position within the sector.
During the program students experience the early education and care environment, learn about children's development and play-based learning and were even able to complete a 'Pathways Passport' to showcase their skills and achievements thus far to assist them with applying for jobs in the sector.
The second, is the ‘Pathways Experience’ (Work Experience Program). This program allows students to gain practical skills during a 4-day block, working alongside educators and children in the play session environment.
During this phase of the project, St Nicholas Early Education and RIEP collaborated with nearby schools, including Hunter River High, Irrawang High, and Tomaree High.
'The Immersion program has shown me that this is the career path I would like to follow. I want to be an early childhood educator when I leave school.'
'I would like to apply for an SBAT; this will hopefully help me with this. I really enjoyed listening to the teacher explain the different learning that a child does. I really liked how the children were excited to see us and play with us.'
All 150 students who participated gave feedback that they were able to discover a genuine interest in early childhood education as a potential career path and participants reported to have gained confidence and were able to really enjoy the experience.
St Nicholas Early Education are now planning to expand their SBAT numbers annually and are set to open five new centres in the Hunter region in 2023, further strengthening their partnership with RIEP throughout this plan. Through the program devised with RIEP, St Nicholas Early Education was able to reach their goal and have now established a sustainable employment pipeline model into the future.
Get in touch with the RIEP program today at RIEP@det.nsw.edu.au.
RIEP: Trade Readiness Program
Video transcript - RIEP Trade Readiness Program
The NSW Government is investing over $100 billion in infrastructure projects and key to the delivery of those projects is a skilled and diverse workforce. Trade Readiness programs aim to introduce students to the opportunities available to them in building and construction trades while still at school.
During the program, students participate in hands-on taster training in trades including plumbing, bricklaying, carpentry and electrical. Students also meet with local employers and learn about the Vocational Education and Training pathways into the building and construction industry.
The Trade Readiness program also provides an opportunity for young women to explore how they can find a rewarding career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The program supports the NSW Government’s goal of reaching 15% women in trade and non-traditional construction roles by 2030 under the Women in Construction program.
Over 4,000 placements on Trade Readiness programs have been offered to over 240 schools across NSW, including schools in regional and remote areas.
Trade Readiness programs are delivered by the Regional Industry Education Partnerships program in partnership with the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program
Get in touch with the RIEP program today at RIEP@det.nsw.edu.au
RIEP, Lendlease and TAFE NSW: Engaging local students to grow a fresh workforce
Video transcript - Lendlease and TAFE NSW
Lendlease is currently supporting the delivery of major construction projects in the Liverpool area, including the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct (LHAP). The project is generating numerous job opportunities for people from the local area, including those finishing high school. Lendlease had a desire to engage schools in the local community and play an active role in building a pipeline of talent to support the construction industry's needs.
The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program partnered with Lendlease and TAFE NSW to create the Junior Construction Program. Local high school students were invited to participate in the program one day per week for over five weeks. During the program, students received accredited training that included work health and safety, communicating in the workplace, first aid, using power tools, carrying out measurements and working safely at heights. They also visited the LHAP construction site and received mentorship from Lendlease staff.
After the training, RIEP and Lendlease continued to assist the students with applications and interviews for school-based apprenticeships, post-school apprenticeships and work experience opportunities. The program concluded with a graduation ceremony attended by parents, Lendlease staff, and members of the local community.
The RIEP program supports employers of all sizes, across all industries to connect with schools and create lasting impact for young people through vocational pathways.
Get in touch with the RIEP program today by reaching out to RIEP@det.nsw.edu.au
RIEP and Macleay Options: Creating impact through Work Experience Opportunities
Video transcript - Macleay Options
Macleay Options is a not-for-profit community-based organisation which provides in house support services for individuals with a disability. Macleay Options as part of their ethos employs individuals with additional needs and welcomes them into supported employment.
Macleay Options recently identified that their workforce was ageing, and their goal was to attract more young people into the workplace. Connecting with RIEP (Regional Industry Education Partnerships) enabled Macleay Options to engage with schools and offer work experience.
RIEP in collaboration with Macleay Options then was able to coordinate tours of the workforce for local school Careers Advisers, Learning Support Staff and more, to facilitate and understanding of the work experience and education that can take place with their staff and on the premises.
This was followed by an additional tour for students and parents. After this, students were able to express interest about work experience and which career areas they might like to explore.
Through working with RIEP, Macleay Options are able to forge strong connections with both schools and students and identify young people who might become permanent members of their workforce, through the work experience, opportunities and tours provided. Students praised that there was a vast variety of learning opportunities and career options available for them to explore with Macleay Options.
The RIEP program supports employers of all sizes, across all industries to connect with schools and create lasting impact for young people through vocational pathways.
Get in touch with the RIEP program today by reaching out to RIEP@det.nsw.edu.au
Girls Can Too!
Introducing female high school students to male-dominated trades
Video transcript - Girls Can Too!
The Girls Can Too! program introduces female high-school students to careers in traditionally male-dominated trades and connects them with trade employers. Girls Can Too was created and delivered by the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program within Training Services NSW. Employers like RIC Electrics who participated in the program were able to connect with their future workforce and inspire young women to consider a career in their industry.
The program was created to inspire young women to pursue trade pathways and let them know that girls (really) can too! 17 students from 7 schools in the Wagga Wagga region participated and both the employers and the schools saw fantastic outcomes! 3 participants have already been offered full time apprenticeships with employers they met during the program.
“It helped me get the job I have now, as I made connections though the program! I also was able to gain a certificate of completion for my resume” says Year 11 student, Mackenna Lange.
Girls Can Too runs each Friday over one term and includes hands-on trade taster training, work readiness training, local industry tours, female guest speakers and work experience. Employers including RIC electrics guided students through hands-on practical activities designed to equip them with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the workplace.
During the program students were introduced to welding, construction, electrical, electronic and automotive trades, all of which are facing significant skills shortages. Employers who participated in the Girls Can Too program are making an active contribution to diversifying their workforce, addressing skills shortages and supporting the community.
Employers can get in touch with the RIEP program today RIEP@det.nsw.edu.au and connect with schools through programs like Girls can Too! Like RIC Electrics, you Can Too!
- Class Chefs, Connecting Students with Hospitality Careers
- RIEP and Colin Biggers & Paisley: Creating impact through School Based Traineeships
- Hospitality Open Week, Connecting Students with Hospitality Careers
- Agricultural camp connecting schools with employers
- RIEP and Salesforce: Showcasing careers in tech