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THREE schools across Tasmania are tackling the State’s skills shortages head on by joining forces to launch Tasmania’s first inter-school business.
Member for Rumney, Lin Thorp has officially launched Inter-high Enterprises, a collaborative school-based business developed by Materials Design and Technology students and teachers at Rokeby High School, Campbell Town District High School and New Norfolk High School.
“This fantastic initiative is Tasmania's first inter-high business,” Ms Thorp said.
“Funded by the Department of Education, Inter-high Enterprises markets and manufactures timber items such as pens, jewellery boxes, clocks, timber tongs and backscratchers.
“Through the initiative, students have the opportunity to experience all aspects of business management, product design and marketing, while honing their skills in design and manufacture.”
Ms Thorp said that the enterprising project was brainstormed over the Christmas break when three beginning materials design and technology teachers – Anthony Crawford, Matthew Rosevear and Damon Nichols – were discussing the chronic trade shortage in Tasmania and the growing need for students to develop an awareness of business practices.
“They decided to develop Inter-high Enterprises to provide an authentic learning experience, through which students would learn a variety of relevant business and trade skills,” Ms Thorp said.
“Importantly, all profits are reinvested in students’ education.”
Ms Thorp said that each school made an equal contribution in the manufacture of product, while taking responsibility for a specific aspect of the business, such as finances, dispatch and promotion.
“The teachers have worked with the Department of Education and various other government departments to develop a working business model, so that students have a reference point that they can build upon,” Ms Thorp said.
“It’s hoped that by the end of the year students will be ready to take the reins, maintaining and growing the business with minimal supervision.”
Ms Thorp said that the launch of the State’s first inter-high business was the first milestone, but also was just the beginning of the exciting initiative.
“Students are really excited about the potential of this project, with several students presenting their teachers with fresh ideas, such as furniture made to order, flat pack items and one-off designs,” Ms Thorp said.
“I’d like to congratulate staff and students from all three schools for developing this fantastic project, which I’m sure will be an inspiration to other schools across the State.”
To view the students’ website, log on to ieproducts.education.tas.gov.au
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