As students look towards the new year and consider what life after school looks like, a pilot program has been empowering students to make informed decisions about potential career pathways in trade.

Running under the Pathways and Vocational Education Strategy, the Productivity Pathways program is a one-week workshop providing students with one-on-one targeted support.

With many students considering vocational education and training in construction and building, a crucial part of upskilling them is helping them obtain their white cards.

VET Curriculum Project Officer, Clint Giddings, said white card training was a requirement to work in the construction industry to cover work health and safety fundamentals.

Since introducing the virtual white card course three terms ago, more than a thousand students have been accredited.

“The students who don’t usually show up at school have been showing up early each day in preparation for the Productivity Pathways,” Mr Giddings said.

The program is delivered face-to-face and virtually, allowing students from schools without an accredited teacher to receive the tailored training.

“A lot of students can be disengaged, so we’ve built a course that allows for the greatest chance of completion, because we know the program will enhance students’ employability before they even leave school,” Mr Giddings said.

The program also presents a more affordable option for students to obtain their white cards with a cost of less than $30 per student, rather than $150 through external organisations.