All Victorian public high school students will now be able to do paid apprenticeships and traineeships while finishing their studies.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll visited Interair at Essendon Airport on Monday to announce the expansion of the Head Start program to all state high schools.
Head Start is part of Victoria's $639 million effort to reform senior secondary pathways, following a $50 million pilot investment in 2018.
The school-based initiative allows students to do an apprenticeship or traineeship alongside a VCE, VCE vocational major or Victorian pathways certificate.
Almost 3000 employers hosted a student last year under the program, which has an 87 per cent retention rate.
Sunbury Downs College graduate William Paul became the first program participant to do an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship with Interair.
Mr Paul, who received an apprenticeship offer in year 10, said being able to work twice a week at the same time as completing his studies helped him pursue his interest in aviation.
"After a day of work, they offered me the apprenticeship ... it's my true passion," he said.
Under the program, students can also complete traineeships in primary industries such as building and construction, community services and health and business and technology services.
Ms Allan said training-friendly businesses such as Interair played a big part in addressing nationwide industry skill shortages and pressures.
"The evidence shows that it works successfully for the student, for the employer and more broadly for the Victorian community," she said.
