STEMship leads to Bailey Cosgrove's career with Sikorsky Australia

Especially in local defence industry circles, of which there is a thriving industry base in the Shoalhaven.

One of the other aspects of the competition sees students also given information about is STEMship.

STEMship a vocational education and training (VET) program developed in 2016 by Regional Development Australia Hunter in partnership with Department of Industry - Training Services NSW and TAFE NSW.

The program was also conducted locally, coordinated by RDA Far South Coast, funded by Defence NSW through Training Services NSW with the multi-disciplinary training component delivered by Aerospace Training Services.

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The innovative pre-employment program is industry led and incorporates skills units on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) as well as enterprise technical skills.

Open to young people who have completed year 10 the program is designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and university STEM programs, STEMship is an industry-led program that helps guide students into technical apprenticeships and traineeships and/or continue on with VET courses.

The 21-week program includes a combination of technical training and work placement (25 hours per week), industry site visits to promote awareness of employment pathways and completion of a nationally accredited qualification - the Certificate 2 in Aeroskills.

Students are also exposed to opportunities to gain work placement with the Shoalhaven region's innovative organisations.

Former Bomaderry High student Bailey Cosgrove completed the STEMship pre apprenticeship program and was one of four STEMship students who were recruited by Sikorsky Australia this year.

Bailey has been employed as an electrical apprentice, working out of Sikorsky's Shoalhaven base at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park, adjacent to HMAS Albatross.

He is currently completing his Certificate 4 in Electrical Diploma in Aeroskills (in second year).

"It's been great," he said.

"Even after two weeks I was surprised at how much I'd learned.

"I did Certificate 2 work placement at Sikorsky and Air Affairs. The culture and environment of Sikorsky is very friendly and relaxed and I take pride in doing quality work.

"The team leader and supervisors provide great support."

Sikorsky Australia currently employees 10 trainees and apprentices.

Upon completion of their traineeship/apprenticeship they will have gained either Certificate 4 in Warehouse Operations or Certificate 4 in Aeroskills - Mechanical, Structures or Avionics, as well as all the practical hands on training and skills to support them in their future careers.