It's never too early, or too late, to explore the career and employment possibilities available to you. This could be the stepping stone to a brilliant career path.
The SA Training Awards will be announced later this week.
Congratulations to St Patrick’s Technical College students Layla and Rebecca for being named as finalists in this year’s awards.
SA Training Awards School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Finalist
Rebecca is currently studying Year 12 at St Patrick’s Technical College while also attending TAFE SA and studying a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication and working (as a 1st year apprentice) at BAE Systems Ship Building at Osborne.
“I got to the place I am today, by my ‘can do’ attitude and work ethic,” Rebecca says.
“Taking opportunities when they arise and having the confidence to pursue my dream, no matter what obstacles I encounter.”
Rebecca says her family inspired her to start her apprenticeship and taught her that a good work ethic and hard work does pay off.
“It is a great honour and privilege working for a world-renowned global company knowing that I am assisting in the construction of Australia’s newest Hunter Class Frigate that will be protecting not only our borders, but assisting in the security of our nation and our allies for the future.”
Rebecca’s aim for the future is to complete her apprenticeship and come out of it with a wealth of knowledge that she hopes will help her secure a position back at BAE Systems Maritime Australia, working on the Hunter Class Frigate for the duration of the project.
Rebecca also intends to gain a forklift licence, complete all welding qualifications, and go back to TAFE to do a Certificate IV in Engineering – Fabrication.
“My long-term aspiration is to be one of the few women to gain a Team Leader role within the company.”
SA Training Awards Vocational Student of the Year Finalist
Layla Syed is a Year 11 Hospitality Student at St Patrick’s Technical College in Edinburgh North SA.
She is currently undertaking a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations with the Adelaide Institute of Hospitality.
Layla has always had a great interest in baking from a young age, with her great nana Lynette teaching her everything she knows.
She passed on her recipes and bakeware and is still on hand to inspire and teach her today.
“My solo journey as a baker began in March 2020 during the peak of the COVID pandemic,” Layla says.
“I used cooking as a creative outlet during COVID and a way to alleviate boredom and isolation as all other hobbies were cancelled.”
Layla started posting pictures of her food on her social media page and it blew up to the point where people were asking her to make cakes and cookies for their events.
This led to the creation of a dedicated social media page for the business and 'Layla's Desserts' was born.
Over the last three years, Layla has filled hundreds of orders and they are still rolling in. Her most popular social media post has over 48,000 interactions.
This has led her to pursue a VET course in Kitchen Operations and clearly defined her pathway as a pâtissier.
In the future, Layla dreams of becoming a qualified Patisserie, working and travelling the world learning and developing her skills and craft.
We wish Layla and Rebecca the very best of luck.
Source acknowledgment: SA Training Awards Finalists
Photographs: Kindly supplied by St Patrick’s Technical College
VET Academy of Hospitality is offered from Year 9 at Tenison Woods College – an intentionally early start into VET certification allows many of our younger students an alternative to technology-based food studies offered in middle school classes. By beginning Certificate II Hospitality in Year 9, students are given the opportunity to consider their learning from the perspective of employability skills whilst also developing a more traditional complement of basic life skills common to a food technology classroom.
After a year of immersion in the program, students are able to choose to continue with the course full-time into Year 10 or suspend their training to continue into a Year 11 pathway for continued achievement of full qualification. Often, students will opt for partial qualification only at the end of Year 9, leaving them with a cluster of skills intentionally designed for a diversity of workplaces in readiness for future options past Year 9. First year skills include an introduction to OHS across a broad spectrum of industry scenarios, with basic customer service and team-based skills included in initial units of the qualification pathway. The intention of the course structure is to provide students with a flexible foundation as they enter the workforce and in preparation for workplace activities such as work experience and first job roles. Students subsequently find employment opportunities in hospitality scenarios but often also in trade and retail situations. The course has also proven a valuable foundation for traineeship opportunities into Years 10, 11 and 12.
Students focus on industry standards and professionalism from the very first lessons of the 24-month course; small classes and one-on-one mentoring allow stewardship of student development as a pathway to a qualification based in high-quality and authentic learning experiences, aligned to industry standards and trends. The success of the programme, which engaged close to 60 students across Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 in 2021 (in both online and offline contexts), is that it is designed to suit the specific needs of each student. The formation of deep connections and understanding of individual student learning needs has allowed each student to find success relative to their personal learning style and plan, applying to both practical and theoretical programs in tandem, and relying on team communication and cohesive co-operation of staff to support student learning as a priority. An environment of professionalism and intentional learning opportunities is encouraged across all facets of the program.
In addition to this approach, Australian Standards are communicated through the lens of current trends but primarily, through the lens of Catholic faith with the majority of practical content aligned to the ethos of the College. Regular, full-day sessions of seven hours in the College’s own café (The Sugarloaf Café) are rostered for students on a day release program in order to service the school community. Students prepare and serve meals for a large cohort of student and staff members, support the production of coffee with barista services and support the provision of catering activities for the Early Learning Centre. Commonly, students support the school and greater community through provision of hours and skills to contribute to projects such as catering regularly for Sunset Community Kitchen, The Mount Gambier Catholic Parish, Tenison Woods College Board Meetings and promotional events, local mental health services and in scenarios of community service with local training partners at Mount Gambier business premises.
Coming into the third year of offering Certificate II in Hospitality through an auspicing agreement with national RTO AIET, many Certificate II graduates have continued to complete traineeships externally in industry. 2022 has seen the culmination of efforts towards building a high-quality student skill base with a full-time traineeship offered post Year 12 for the first time at Tension Woods College, thus allowing a student nominee who has graduated from the Academy of Hospitality to continue into a Certificate III pathway. In addition, the full-time position of Professional Café Barista has this year been divided between an industry professional and a student in Year 11 undertaking a school-based traineeship to complete Certificate III as an Academy graduate. Both pathways have offered opportunities for talented and passionate students to pursue their training and qualification whilst continuing under the mentorship of Academy trainers who have established close relationships with students over the two year period of their Certificate II training. Greater potential lies still in the development of SACE pathway opportunities aligned to extended VET qualifications for future student opportunities and a foray into higher certificate units (this is a future goal of the Academy pending discussion and approval).
More broadly, Tenison Woods College offers a range of VET pathway options for students in Years 10 to 12. Students are currently completing certificate qualifications in subjects such as Dance, Hairdressing, Business, Hospitality, Retail, Horticulture, Forestry, Music Industry Performance, Real Estate, Fitness, Plumbing, Maritime Operations, Automotive and Early Childhood Education – which reflects the College’s careful focus on crafting learning pathways aligned to individual student career goals and interests. A number of VET pathways are also being undertaken as school-based traineeships or apprenticeships.
Graduates from Catholic schools have been awarded prestigious scholarships by the Playford Memorial Trust.
The Trust supports high-achieving students studying in areas of strategic importance to South Australia. “Encouraging and fostering skills and research in areas where South Australia has the greatest competency and opportunity will help us meet the growing need for innovation, knowledge and workers in the future” said the Trust’s Chair, former Premier Dean Brown.
The Trust focuses its university scholarships and TAFE awards on five key study areas: advanced manufacturing and new technologies; environmental sciences, including water and energy; health sciences and enabling technologies; agriculture, aquaculture and food production; and mining and resource development.
Congratulations to the following Catholic school graduates who received Playford Trust Awards (please see photos of recipients in gallery below):
Dana Hurrell - St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln
Dana received the St Ann's Foundation/Playford Trust Residential Scholarship to support her studies in science at the University of Adelaide and her residency at St Ann’s College. She plans to progress to a Master of Teaching then to build a career as a secondary school teacher specialising in chemistry and mathematics.
Gabriela Coehlo – St Aloysius College, Adelaide
Gabriela was awarded one of six inaugural Space Science Scholarships awarded by the Playford Trust in conjunction with The Andy Thomas Space Foundation. She has already completed a Space Industry Pilot Work Experience Placement at the University of Adelaide.
Jade Simpson - St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln
Jade was awarded a Playford Trust Regional Science and Engineering Scholarship to assist her as she undertakes a double degree in engineering and mathematical and computing sciences at the University of Adelaide.
Joshua Graham - Caritas College, Port Augusta
Joshua received the Chartwells / St Ann’s College/ Playford Trust Residential Scholarship to support his continuing engineering studies at the University of Adelaide and residency at St Ann’s. He began studying space science before transferring to electrical and electronic engineering, but his eye is still on a career as a satellite engineer.
Kaidy Morgan - St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln
Kaidy received a Playford Trust Honours Scholarship to support her studies in Agricultural Science. In the future, she hopes to assist in developing the accessibility of information to farmers about the importance of soil health. Kaidy was invited to join the South Australian Premier’s inaugural Force40 initiative, which brought together 40 influential people to discuss the future of young people in this State.
Kenny Cao - Blackfriars College, Prospect
Kenny was awarded a AusIMM / Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarship. Kenny is in his final year of Engineering (Petroleum and Mining) studies at the University of Adelaide. He plans to one day specialise in production engineering, and open new avenues to more efficient mine production.
Lachlan Coathupe - Samaritan College, Whyalla
Lachlan was awarded a AusIMM / Playford Trust Minerals Industry Scholarships to support his studies in Chemical Engineering and Finance at the University of Adelaide. With a passionate for global sustainability, Lachlan hopes to work in the minerals industry at the completion of his studies.
Lucia Alvarez - St Marks College, Port Pirie
Lucia received a Playford Trust Regional Science and Engineering Scholarship to support her engineering, finance and banking studies at the University of Adelaide. She aims to become an engineer and is currently planning a career in the design and manufacturing of automobiles, with a focus on implementing renewable technologies.
A current student at Catholic university residential college Aquinas College, was also awarded a Playford Memorial Trust Scholarship.
Jeff Judd - Aquinas College, North Adelaide
Jeff is in his first year of Mathematics and Computer Sciences studies at the University of Adelaide, preparing for a career in software engineering. Jeff was awarded a Playford Trust Regional Science and Engineering Scholarship.
Applications for Playford Trust Memorial Scholarships open later in the year, for current Year 12 students pursuing tertiary studies in 2023. Information about the Awards will be communicated to Career Practitioners and VET Coordinators in Catholic schools.
Read more about the scholarships and see a full list of recipients at the Playford Trust website
All students who successfully complete the Roads2Civil project will be considered for a Civil Apprenticeship.
For more information about the program, click here to open Roads2Civil information flyer
School students can express their interest in this program at www.wtc.sa.edu.au/enrol/expression-of-interest-form
The beginning of each year is a time often associate with a “fresh start”. Finding purpose in life is important for everyone.
The endeavour to find purpose through work and study is at the core of the work that Career Development Practitioners, VET Coordinators and Workplace Learning Specialists do.
For young people who have not found the outcome or learning connection in mainstream schooling that supports being successful in future work or further study, connecting to learning that can support their aspirations is vital for their self-efficacy.
Compass Catholic Community is a fee-free Secondary School for young people aged 17 to 24 opening at Davoren Park in Term 1, 2022.
This is a school unlike others, offering young people a very different way of re-connecting with school learning or continuing their education, with highly flexible learning arrangements and co-constructed learning opportunities tailored for each person.
If you know a young person who is wanting to complete their SACE but struggling with traditional schooling, you can find more information about Compass and the process of referring students to Compass, below.
Passing the Baton – Referring students to Compass
If you would like any other information, or have students or community members you think would flourish at Compass, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Compass team directly on 08 8288 4900 or email info@compass.catholic.edu.au.
You might also like to check out our YouTube video!
The first round of undergraduate university offers in South Australia have been made this week.
This is a time of trepidation for many young people. For some, this is also an exciting time but for others it might be tinged with disappointment.
It is helpful for young people to know that what they decide to do next year after leaving school will be just one of many career steps in their lives. Self-worth does not hinge on one decision, an ATAR, a job or an offer for tertiary study.
The first step beyond school is usually filled with uncertainty and anticipation. It can feel scary to finish school knowing that you will not be back next year – this is a perfectly normal and OK feeling to have. It is uncomfortable to not really know what lies ahead but learning to be comfortable with uncertainty is a very important skill to develop.
To students who achieved what they had hoped for, congratulations.
To students who did not gain what they had hoped for, please understand that there are many different pathways from school. Even if the course or job you wanted is not going to work out for next year,
It is also true that getting the ATAR you want or the offer for a course that you are certain you want, is no guarantee that things will work out as planned.
So, what should you do if you don’t get the offer that you want (or you have changed your mind about what you planned to do next year)?
It can be but it really depends on what you do during that year. Typically, most students taking a Gap Year do so because they feel unsure about what they want to do after finishing school or they don’t feel ready to commit to one long course, like a university degree.
If you are thinking about taking a gap year, explore what types of learning you can do during that time, in addition to any paid work or volunteer work that you might do. People benefit the most if they integrate some type of learning into their Gap Year experience. There are many short courses available that might be fun, interesting or develop some skills without requiring a big commitment or assessments! Think about doing a range of things that can bolster your resume such as volunteering, doing training, mentoring or work placement (work experience). It is also useful to attend career expos during the year.
The key to a beneficial Gap Year is have experiences and do things that move you closer to deciding what you don’t want to do in the future and what courses or jobs that you might want to do. Just working in a job that you have previously had or was something that you could have gained whilst at school, is sometimes not enough to help people doing a Gap Year feel that the experience is developing enough new skills and knowledge, to move you towards narrowing down what types of study or work you might do next.
Whatever you do next year, remind yourself that new knowledge and skills will be useful to you in lots of different ways in the future. Choosing something that is the best fit for you at this point in time is what you need to focus on. Good luck!
The TAFE SA offer round is on 7 January 2022.
The second round of undergraduate university offers is on 14 January 2022.
This week is National Skills Week. The week is dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning. Many senior secondary school students in Catholic Schools, Catholic Technical Colleges and Catholic Trade Training Centre, undertake VET qualifications as part of their SACE learning. Catholic Education South Australia supports the skill development of all students.
A wonderful partnership between Western Technical College and Barkuma has created the Trade2Transition Program. The Trade2Transition program has been designed especially for Year 12 students enrolled in the Barkuma Transition program, who are considering their next step into the world of work. The Barkuma trainees are exploring the Construction and Metal Engineering industries, in a supportive adult learning environment, designed to celebrate adaptability and encourage long life growth.
For more information about the Western Technical College, visit www.wtc.sa.edu.au
For more information about the Barkuma Transition Program, visit www.barkuma.com.au/the-transition-program
For further information about National Skills Week, visit www.nationalskillsweek.com.au
The 2021 SA Training Awards Finalists have been announced. We congratulate the finalists from Catholic schools in the following categories:
School Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Samuel Ivanoff - Year 12 student at St Patrick’s Technical College
VET Innovation for Schools Award
Christian Brothers College
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Justin Mamo – Cardijn College/ MTC Training
We wish Samuel, Justin and Christian Brothers College the very best of luck. SA Training Awards winners will be announced on 27 August 2021.
Catholic schools celebrated National Careers Week, recognising the importance of career development for people of all ages. Career-related learning and career education is about investigating myriad of career options. According to McCrindle Research, our current students are likely to have 18 different jobs across 6 different career areas after they graduate from school.
It’s never too young to start exploring!
Mt Carmel College celebrated National Careers Week with Mock interviews
Catholic schools celebrated National Careers Week, recognising the importance of career development for people of all ages. Career-related learning and career education is about investigating myriad of career options. According to McCrindle Research, our current students are likely to have 18 different jobs across 6 different career areas after they graduate from school.
It’s never too young to start exploring!
St Aloysius College celebrated National Careers Week with an Alumni Career Breakfast
Catholic schools celebrated National Careers Week, recognising the importance of career development for people of all ages. Career-related learning and career education is about investigating myriad of career options. According to McCrindle Research, our current students are likely to have 18 different jobs across 6 different career areas after they graduate from school.
It’s never too young to start exploring!
St Ignatius College celebrated National Careers Week with a Careers Market
Catholic schools celebrated National Careers Week, recognising the importance of career development for people of all ages. Career-related learning and career education is about investigating myriad of career options. According to McCrindle Research, our current students are likely to have 18 different jobs across 6 different career areas after they graduate from school.
St Joseph’s School Port Lincoln celebrated National Careers Week with a Primary Career Day
Catholic schools celebrated National Careers Week, recognising the importance of career development for people of all ages. Career-related learning and career education is about investigating myriad of career options. According to McCrindle Research, our current students are likely to have 18 different jobs across 6 different career areas after they graduate from school.
It’s never too young to start exploring!
Students from Catholic schools were selected to participate the Space Industry Work Experience Program. Gabriela Coehlo from St Aloysius College and Patrick Rawlins from St Michael’s College were chosen on the merit of their application to work with The University of Adelaide on existing research projects. The placements were arranged by The South Australian Space Industry Centre and made it possible for students to contribute in a small way to the space industry work at the university. During her week of work experience, Gabriela investigated the long-duration stability of medicines on the International Space Station. Patrick developed his Python skills during his work experience research into Graph Neural networks (GNN).
The Space Industry Work Experience Program is open to students enrolled in a South Australian secondary school who are 15 years of age or older. Applications for the next round of the Space Industry Work Experience Program will open during Semester 2, 2021 and be communicated to students by their school.
There is a reason why these trainees look happy. It’s because they have been chosen to participate in the inaugural BAE Systems ASC Shipbuilding Readiness Program, as part of the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Transitioning from Western Technical College/Rosewater Trade Training Centre studying a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways, to TAFESA Regency campus, they will complete on the job training and paid blocks of workplace activities at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, whilst studying either Year 11 or Year 12.
The future of South Australia’s Defence Industry looks bright and we wish Ronan, Jared, Joshua and Alyssa well as they edge forward towards their destined career pathway.
Find out more about Western Technical College by checking out their website wtc.sa.edu.au
Last Friday night, Xavier College and St Patrick’s Technical College alumni, Tayla Carll, was one of 12 talented young people to take out a Young Achiever Award, in recognition of all she has accomplished. Tayla, 18, won the Outstanding Apprenticeship Award, which aims to highlight those working hard to learn skills in their field and using their apprenticeship to launch a successful career.
She also took out the highly sought-after People’s Choice Award, receiving 25 per cent of the 10,000 public votes. Tayla said the awards, which were announced virtually in an online event, were recognition for all she had overcome.
Tayla, the now 18-year old is about to enter the third year of her fabrication engineering apprenticeship at Stratco and registered with TAFE SA at Regency Park. Tayla specialised in the metals and engineering field at St Patrick’s. Her high-functioning Autism has made her a more visual person who excelled in the practical and technical subjects. Despite dealing with anxiety disorder and speech and learning delay, Tayla has completed work at Levett Engineering, Century Engineering, Air Force, and Defence, Science and Technology Organisation. Due to her determination, her employer enrolled her into extra courses with TAFE SA for additional qualifications. From there she has aspirations of doing a diploma, getting her supervising degree and then going on to university for a Bachelor of Engineering Design, with the ultimate goal of becoming a qualified draftsman.
DISRUPT...INSPIRE...IGNITE
A CESA Discovery of STEM Careers aims to showcase the variety of career pathways available in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Have you heard the term - Industry 4.0? What is it and how is it revolutionising our world? Our STEM Project team were curious and visited The SAGE Group at the Tonsley Innovation District. Exploring jobs of the future, introducing disruptive technology which influences those careers, and development of industry/sector collaborations all form part of the foundation behind this STEM initiative.
Three of the SAGE Group of Companies were introduced: SAGE Automation, Nukon and SkillsLab.
SAGE are a leading smart automation solution business, who solve current and pre-empt future ones for large and small businesses. After partnering with sister digital transformation company Nukon and the University of South Australia, development of the Container Deposit System became a reality and now are rolled out across Queensland, contributing to a decrease in landfill.
SkillsLab is SAGE’s Registered Training Organisation, created specifically to meet the demand for high-quality learning, upskilling the workforce and targeting current and future industry requirements.
This visit was recorded for a video project to be released as part of a virtual career exploration series. Information about DISRUPT...INSPIRE...IGNITE A CESA Discovery of STEM Careers will soon be available on the CESA Vocational Education website.
This Project is funded by the Australian Government through the Non-government Reform Support Fund.
DISRUPT...INSPIRE...IGNITE
A CESA Discovery of STEM Careers aims to showcase the variety of career pathways available in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Hands up if you have thought about a career in Information Technology – especially in the Cyber Security space? Our investigation into exciting career pathways and the disruptive technology that influences those careers continued and we were fortunate to collaborate recently with Saint Ignatius College alumni, Matt Fabri.
Matt welcomed us to OpSys, a leading global South Australian IT solutions company, located on the city fringe. Rohan and Gabrielle from St Ignatius College, together with Davika, Julia and Taiba from Our Lady Of The Sacred Heart College were immersed in the daily operations of OpSys (two days are never the same) and fortunate to hear various and differing career pathway stories. Staff explained how they successfully commenced at OpSys, either with VET, industry traineeship or university training and they each described and showed us the types of technological advances and the IT solutions available to a variety of industries and companies, big and small, world-wide.
This visit was recorded for a video project to be released as part of a virtual career exploration series. Information about DISRUPT...INSPIRE...IGNITE A CESA Discovery of STEM Careers will soon be available on the CESA Vocational Education website.
This Project is funded by the Australian Government through the Non-government Reform Support Fund.
“My visit to OpSys and speaking with their staff, especially Matt, has given me a real sense of purpose and has had an enormous impact on how I see my future.” Rohan, Saint Ignatius College
Photo:
Back Row: Gabrielle (SIC), Matt Fabri, Taiba (OLSH), Julie Stephenson (OLSH)
Front Row: Rohan (SIC), Julia (OLSH), Devika (OLSH)
AgXtra is a leading private agricultural research provider servicing South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, with its head office located at Newton in South Australia. Established in 2003, AgXtra focuses on the evaluation of new and emerging crop production technology and product development, in the form of applied research trials, plant breeding trials, and research project management. Over the past 16 years the business has established an enviable reputation for its strong and supportive workplace culture, and its focus on delivering quality outcomes in a safe working environment. Research is conducted in the broadacre, viticultural and horticultural industries.
Representatives from Catholic Education South Australia Vocational Education & Training recently visited AgXtra to interview a cross-section of our staff for their STEM Online Learning Page: Disrupt...Inspire...Ignite: A CESA Discovery Of STEM Careers video series. This career exploration showcases the many and varied career opportunities available, as well as to focus on STEM and VET options available at school.
With careers influenced by the rapid changes in technology, the video series will feature four different STEM industries, with Agriculture and AgXtra starring in Episode 2. Agricultural vocational and university pathways, together with capturing the new technology that influences those careers (plot harvesters, drones, GPS technology, temperature and moisture sensors)
Catholic school alumni, Kelly & Steph (Sacred Heart College); Justin (St Joseph's College, Port Lincoln) and Matt (Rostrevor College) kindly shared their school to work journeys which ranged from Geology university studies to electrical, carpentry and plumbing work experience. An emphasis on their successful transfer of skills from one industry to another and critical messages such as the importance of work experience, research, and seeking inspiration from experienced industry leaders featured.
Well done and thank you to Kelly, Steph, Justin & Matt for sharing their time with us and we look forward to sharing the video soon.
The Doorways to Construction (D2C) Course is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Course that aims to support students in guiding them on a chosen career path within the Building and Construction Industry. It aims to not only provide students with an opportunity to learn and develop trade-specific skills and techniques but to also allow students to gain a better understanding of the industry, the WHS practices required, and the attitudes and attributes required to be a successful entry-level worker.
Currently, the D2C group is working on its year-long practical task that simulates the process of residential construction. Students have worked to create and level a floor frame/floating deck upon which they have assembled and erected a Maxispan Steel Frame kit which is a smaller version of a real steel-framed home. Currently students have been working through a range of bricklaying tasks to develop their understanding of the terms plumb, level, aligned, and gauge. From here the students will be developing skills in timber framing to construct timber-framed kits of a similar size before moving onto other trades areas that following the sequence of residential construction.
Adrian Ranieri, Technologies Learning Area Leader
Gleeson College
Enrolments for students from all education sectors are now open for the new Western Technical College at Rosewater. The Western Technical College is an expansion of the immensely popular and highly regarded Rosewater Trade Training Centre, a campus of Mount Carmel College.
Programs available for the start of 2021 include Building and Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing and Hairdressing and Beauty Services. From the start of Semester 2, 2021 the following programs will also be available: Automotive Industries, Electrotechnology and Electronics, Information and Communication Technology.
Visit wtc.sa.edu.au for all program and enrolment information.
Western Technical College provides students from Year 9 to Year 12 the opportunity to explore and acquire workplace skills through nationally recognised training described within an industry-developed training package or an accredited course. The achievement of any VET qualification delivered at Western Technical College signifies that a student has demonstrated competency against the skills and knowledge required to perform effectively in the workplace.
Students can commence training at Western Technical College at an Introductory level, ie whilst having the ability to gain 10 SACE credits at Stage 1. Progression for the next year or level (depending on the chosen course) is a Certificate II or Certificate III or partial Certificate III, which attracts Stage 1 and Stage 2 SACE credits.
The South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, in partnership with the State Government will deliver a $5 million expansion of the Rosewater Trade Training Centre, creating a skills hub right on the doorstep of South Australia’s maritime and defence industries on the Le Fevre Peninsula.
The establishment of the Western Technical College will support South Australian students to be best placed for future jobs and will equip our young people with skill sets that align with industry needs.
National Skills Week 24 – 30 August 2020 aims to help with the challenges facing youth, parents, students and job seekers. Young people aged 15-24 have been hardest hit by Covid-19 job losses, accounting for around 45 per cent of the total decline in employment in May, according to a new report released recently by the National Skills Commission.
National Skills Week supported by the Federal Government this year seeks to help alleviate uncertainties being experienced by many school students, Year 12 pupils, parents and young Australians generally - shining a light on jobs in demand over the next five years and training available to obtain them. These include cyber security and IT, STEM, manufacturing, and healthcare among others.
National Skills Week Chair Brian Wexham says the week aims to raise awareness of these in-demand areas, of the diversity of vocational education and training (VET) and career opportunities available, the pathways in which to access these courses and careers, and the important role they play in Australia’s economic recovery. “National Skills Week plays a central role in assisting parents and students as to the many and varied careers out there for young people and asking them to think about matching their passions and skill strengths with career outcomes,” Mr Wexham said.
Catholic schools offer a wide variety of pathways for students including VET courses, career counselling, workplace learning opportunities and School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. These programs provide students with valuable skills, knowledge and opportunities to explore various career options, with about a third of all Year 12 students using VET as an integral component of their SACE plan.
Mr Wexham adds “Students can gain fundamental workplace skills leading to increased job opportunities and earning potential in the future. They can also choose from a wide range of nationally recognised apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications across all industries".
For further information, discuss with the VET Coordinator and Career Counsellor at your school, visit vet.cesa.catholic.edu.au or nationalskillsweek.com.au.
DISRUPT...INSPIRE...IGNITE
A CESA Discovery of STEM Careers aims to showcase the variety of career pathways available in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
We took to the streets last Friday to investigate career pathways in the Health Industry and to find out more about the new technology that influences those careers.
We visited Transform Orthodontic Care with Charlie, a Year 9 Rostrevor College student, to talk to the staff who were friendly and very professional. The staff told us of their career journeys - each one was truly unique and very interesting. They explained how they successfully transferred their skills from one industry to another as part of their career journey. They each described and showed us the types of technological advances being made in this industry and the impact they are having on their daily work patterns. We follow Charlie's typical consult through each staff member through to the specialised 3D printing undertaken by the Dental Technician.
This visit was recorded for a video project to be released as part of a virtual career exploration series. Information about DISRUPT...INSPIRE...IGNITE A CESA Discovery of STEM Careers will soon be available on the CESA Vocational Education website.
This Project is funded by the Australian Government through the Non-government Reform Support Fund.
A new technical college will be established in Adelaide’s western suburbs, supporting students to pursue trade pathways into high demand jobs such as defence and shipbuilding.
The State Government has announced that it will partner with Catholic Education South Australia to deliver an almost $5 million expansion of the Rosewater Trade Training Centre, creating a skills hub on the doorstep of South Australia’s maritime and defence industries on the Le Fevre Peninsula.
Catholic Schools are following the advice of government agencies concerning how the current outbreak of coronavirus impacts students, staff and parents.
Our focus is on minimising risk and ensuring we do all that we can to ensure our communities are safe.
This is a fluid and rapidly changing situation and this information is being updated regularly.
CESA is continuing to support schools with potential impact on student’s learning. This includes VET, work place learning and career development programs. These documents include links to resources to assist schools with counselling of students at this time.
CESA Advice on VET for Schools_updated 9 April
Australian Gov - Coronavirus, Jobs Hub, Services Australia and Business.gov
LMIP_Covid 19 impact on the labour market
This Department of Health: Fact Sheet provides some basic information about novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
For the latest information, please refer to the following government resources:
Isolation Guidance from the Department of Health
Australian Government Department of Health Website
Australian Government Coronavirus Fact Sheets & General Advice
SA Health Website
Thomas completed Year 12 at Cabra Dominican College through St Mary’s Unit in 2019.
He joined Barkuma in 2019, participating in THE TRANSITION PROGRAM. The program is designed to assist final year school students to make a smooth transition from school to future pathways.
Thomas is friendly to everyone he meets, full of positive energy and eager to be surrounded by people. As part of The Transition Program, Thomas completed Certificate II Retail, improving his customer service skills and Certificate II Hospitality, focusing on kitchen operations. Thomas set the goal in our program during career counselling to find open employment post-school. With support from the Transition Coordinators, he linked with Barkuma Employment and fulfilled his goal when offered a part-time position at Ridleyton Greek Home for the Aged (RGHA). Thomas’ job as concierge involves assisting the kitchen staff at lunch time. He provides exceptional customer service to the residents who simply love him. Thomas has even started learning the Greek language so he can engage more with staff and residents. What a positive and motivated asset to the workplace!
Career-related learning has a positive impact on children’s confidence, aspirations and motivation by helping students understand the world of work. Career experiences and learning in the primary school should be fun, encouraging students to be inquisitive and exploratory. Early career-related learning provides a strong foundation on which children will make career decisions as they reach the end of their secondary school education, so discovering the world of work through age appropriate play and exploration is key to children making informed career decisions in the future. Challenging gender stereotypes about careers in childhood is crucial in achieving greater gender equality in the workforce. Parents and guardians have an important role in this, as do schools.
For secondary school students, career activities that develop employability skills is important as they enter their final phase of school. Employers expect their employees will possess well-developed employability skills and people with higher levels of skills have greater employment potential. The earlier that students begin working on their skills, the better placed they will be to take on future opportunities that will enhance their employability skills further.
The Coaching Collective at St Aloysius College was born from the career learning needs of two different year levels of students. For Year 3 students, The Coaching Collective provides a play-based, career-related learning experience in which they dress in career costumes and research a career. Across five weeks Year 3 students are coached by Year 8 students to create and deliver an oral presentation about the career they dress up as. The career costumes span diverse careers, many within STEM and selected to challenge career gender stereotypes. For Year 8 students, The Coaching Collective is an authentic way to hone their interpersonal skills and further develop leadership skills by employing coaching skills to encourage and support younger students to research a career and to deliver a high-quality presentation. Year 8 students apply for the opportunity to be involved in The Coaching Collective via a written application and teacher referees to support their application, in a similar format to a job application. Year 8 students receive training in basic executive coaching techniques prior to meeting the Year 3 students. Throughout the program, Year 8 students are mentored by the Year 3 teachers, the Year 8 Coordinator and the Careers Counsellor.
The finale to The Coaching Collective is presentation day. Year 3 students’ oral presentations are linked to the Australian Curriculum, with students demonstrating their learning to their peers, coaches and teachers, whilst dressed in their career costume.
Collaboration between students in the primary school and secondary school produces high quality career presentations by Year 3 students, delivered with increased confidence as a result of the coaching, feedback and rehearsal they receive from their Year 8 coach. For Year 8 students the opportunity to authentically practice coaching skills whilst still at school, is a real chance to develop interpersonal skills that are integral to successful future leadership. The supportive and encouraging environment forged through purposeful collaboration allows students of all ages to flourish and enjoy their learning.
Barkuma are off to a great start with the class of 2020. Week 4 has just finished, nerves are easing and new, positive friendships are beginning to develop.
Learning how to manage without lunchtime bells, sharing facilities with Barkuma employees and heading out at lunch to find favourite lunch spots are some of the exciting and perhaps scary first steps to independence for these students. Seeing many students arrive via public transport for the first time has been a real buzz.
Over the past 4 weeks students have started looking at resumes, identifying jobs, goal setting, learning how to read job advertisements and discussing the skills they have and skills they want to improve. Each week students reflect on their learning and their achievements.
This week groups navigated through the Adelaide Metro website, planned a visit to the Central Market and headed there for a scavenger hunt and lunch. A fun way for students to improve transport skills, how to read maps, money handling and at times managing being in crowded spaces.
Students will soon be visiting work sites to experience different industries, more guest speakers to listen to and engage with, mock job interviews to take place, 1:1 career counselling and much more.
The 2020 Transition Program has commenced with 41 students, 21 of these being from Catholic Education SA. 20 schools have students participating in this year’s program with 9 from Catholic Education SA. Barkuma’s Transition Program has been collaborating with Catholic Education SA for over 19 years, who have assisted with making the program more accessible for SACE.
If you would like more information about the Transition Program, please call Barkuma on 8414 7100 and ask for a member of the Transition Team.
I attended the 9th Australian Space Forum on 19 February at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Premier Steven Marshall and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews and Andy Thomas were just some of the VIP guests that I was lucky enough to hear speak about the growth & development of the Space Industry.
We learned it is going to have an impact on many industries such as mining, fishing, farming and communication, and will increase new opportunities for new jobs. The government predicts another 20,000 jobs by 2030.
There is now a Space Agency located in Adelaide within the development of Lot Fourteen, the new innovation hub for space research, innovation, entrepreneurship, defence, cyber, machine learning and future industries. The Australian Space Discovery Centre and Mission Control will be also located here, which will give the students an opportunity to visit and explore and have close up encounters with the International Space Station.
I was surprised at the many different types of jobs that connect to the Space Industry: lawyers, architects, health & medicine, mechanics, tourism operators, psychologists, mining and many more. An example where space will be developing is precision agriculture, which relies on satellite GPS (geographic positioning systems) for extremely precise measurements to position farm equipment within centimetres of accuracy. It also uses earth observation to predict crop yields and estimate where and how much fertilizer and pesticides to apply.
Karen Andrews MP said, “Using space technology can improve our emergency management such as bushfires, delivering health and medicine to remote parts of Australia and using automated technology machinery within the mining areas of the Pilbara. These are just some of the benefits which will bring strength to the economy”.
I was extremely fascinated by two amazing and interesting young women, Vienna Tran an inspiring space doctor studying the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University or Adelaide, and Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith, Australia’s first Women in STEM Ambassador and a Professor of Practice in Science Communication at UNSW Sydney.
Vienna encouraged all young people to attend workshops, school experiences, talks and to look at STEM in early years. Vienna said, “Have a ‘shed’ culture in the early years. Pull things apart, build, create and have a purpose, a real life set up. If we can relate to the real world, then Maths and Science isn’t as scary as some might think, and if we can include some story telling from the community to encourage students to explore and create. Watch the movie Hidden Figures, this is inspiring!”
Vienna also believes S T E M (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) should be S T E A M M - Science, Technology, Arts, Maths and Medicine, where ‘Arts’ and the creative process should be included to help solve problems, and ‘M’ to encourage Medicine.
Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith thought we could rename Engineering in Schools to encourage more girls to become confident about having a go. She believes Space will be in the curriculum in the near future.
I met the Southern Launch Space Company director and staff, who are aiming to bring their rocket launchers to Whalers Way. I am looking forward to the day when we can go on excursions with our students to see the rockets being launched.
The day was very informative and inspiring. I hope that we can all appreciate the future we will have in the Space Industry. Maybe next time the Prime Minister will have time to have a cup of tea with me.
Amanda Coote
Careers & Education Support Officer
St Joseph's School,
Port Lincoln
St Patrick’s Technical College is gearing up for a celebration having reached a milestone of 1000 apprenticeship and traineeship sign-ups in South Australia.
The College will host a celebratory event on Thursday 12 March to officially recognise this remarkable milestone and its contribution to skilling South Australia.
The January school-based apprenticeship sign-ups of three Year 12 Metals & Engineering students has attained this remarkable milestone and placed the count over 1000 instatements since the College’s inception in 2007.
Charlotte Simmons, Jordan Ranasinghe and Christopher Skelton have commenced their trade in welding with employer Century Engineering, an Australian owned business providing a range of end-to-end engineering solutions and services in Edinburgh North. The training contract sign-up was facilitated by local apprenticeship support network MEGT (Australia) Ltd, who will actively support the apprentices during their on-the-job training.
As part of their school-based apprenticeships, the students will study Year 12 with the College, working towards gaining their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), at the same time studying a Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication with registered training organisation TAFE SA.
This monumental milestone for the Year 11 & 12 specialist trade training school in Edinburgh North demonstrates the importance of vocational education, hands-on learning and flexible study options to skill and prepare secondary school students for jobs now and of the future.
St Patrick’s Technical College is committed to providing Australia with future skilled employees by supporting young people through best practice in training and education and investing in exceptional trainers, teachers and staff to skill and educate students as prospective employees who possess the acumen to surpass employer expectations.
Foremost, the establishment of partnerships and programs with industry, employers, government and training providers, to jointly develop the skills and capabilities required for workplaces now and of the future, has been crucial to the successful outcomes of apprentice and trainee sign-ups.
The Living Learning Leading Framework is being used to support the development of a whole school approach to career development and education in Catholic schools. The Career Development & Education Network for 2019 culminated in a workshop day facilitated by the Career Education Association of Victoria (CEAV).
This network has provided support to school leaders and teachers to build a strategic approach to Career Development and Education (CDE) across middle and senior schooling. Current theories and frameworks in CDE were examined with self-assessment of current CDE initiatives within each school undertaken. A focus on the Catholic Education South Australia Key Capabilities was used to underpin the whole school approach of delivering career development and education programs. This ensures students have a range of skills and dispositions to be active citizens in future learning, work, community and personal life.
The aims for the CESA Career Development and Education Program are:
Further workshops with CEAV are planned for 2020 and will be open for all Catholic schools to attend. Contact Jacqui Asser, Senior Education Adviser - Vocational Education jacqueline.asser@cesa.catholic.edu.au for further information
St Patrick’s Technical College is now seeing amazing results from the inaugural Information Technology (IT) program with three students securing the first traineeships for the College in the IT industry.
The senior students have been studying a Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology while completing their SACE and have been mentored by major tech companies such as Saab Australia, DXC Technology, PMB Defence and BAE Systems Australia.
Students Ethan Cooper-Smart and Cameron Grimmond have been accepted into the first South Australian Microsoft Traineeship Program, employed through MEGT’s Group Training program, and have been placed with a host employer within the Microsoft Australia network for on-the-job training and development. Students commenced their traineeship on Monday 23 September 2019, undertaking a Certificate IV in Information Technology.
Student Brock Pearson has secured a traineeship with Maxima and hosted by Calvert Technologies, a comprehensive IT solutions, services and support provider and has commenced his traineeship undertaking a Certificate IV in IT Networking.
The IT students have been involved in various P-TECH projects mentored by major tech companies including BAE Systems Australia, PMB Defence, Saab Australia, DXC Technology and Century Engineering. Projects such as VEX Robotics, Subs in Schools and a remote target detection system enabling access to the latest technologies used in the industry and strengthening their prospects for employment.
The St Patrick’s Technical College team works with an extensive network of employers, industry associations, training providers and group training organisations to source opportunities for students to start their trade careers.
Nearly 1000 St Patrick’s Technical College students have commenced apprenticeships/traineeships in South Australia. Read more about St Patrick's Technical College on their School Directory Page.
Ashlee Leach, aspiring Astrobiologist and student of Saint Ignatius College describes her STEM career pathway in this short video. She explains the opportunities she has taken advantage of in order to achieve her goal.
STEM Stories is part of the Catholic Education SA STEM Learning Initiative. STEM Learning supports an innovative, system-wide approach to STEM teaching and learning with an emphasis on animating our vision and identity as defined by Catholic Education SA’s Living Learning Leading Framework.
Find out more about Saint Ignatius' College from the School's Directory Page.
Watch her video here:
Kaidy Morgan, St Joseph’s Port Lincoln alumni and University of Adelaide student describes her STEM career journey in Agriculture and Soil Science in this short video.
STEM Stories is part of the Catholic Education SA STEM Learning Initiative. STEM Learning supports an innovative, system-wide approach to STEM teaching and learning with an emphasis on animating our vision and identity as defined by Catholic Education SA’s Living Learning Leading Framework.
Find out more about St Joseph's School Port Lincoln from the School's Directory Page.
Watch her STEM Story here:
On Wednesday 16 October, the first Parents as Career Transition Support (PACTS) Workshop was held at Nazareth Catholic Community with parents of Year 10 and 11 students. The event was held in conjunction with Chris Mesecke of Career Designs SA. The PACTS program has been specifically designed to help provide parents, carers, education providers and support workers with up-to-date information about educational pathways that enables them to support young people effectively when they're making career transition decisions during the adolescent years and beyond.
The PACTS Workshop included the exploration of career pathways and covered navigating the SACE, exploring VET courses, career transition and support services and other options available for young people.
Interested parents at Nazareth Catholic Community can find out more information from the School's Directory Page.
Andre Peciar, Rostrevor College alumni and Peter Vrettis, Sacred Heart College alumni describes their STEM career pathway in this short video. They explain the journey they have taken to get into Project and Civil Engineering with Outside Ideas.
Outside Ideas is a leading commercial landscaping, structural concreting and civil engineering company. They focus on delivering exceptional outcomes and sustainable solutions for their clients and project stakeholders.
STEM Stories is part of the Catholic Education SA STEM Learning Initiative. STEM Learning supports an innovative, system-wide approach to STEM teaching and learning with an emphasis on animating our vision and identity as defined by Catholic Education SA’s Living Learning Leading Framework.
Find out more about Sacred Heart College from the School's Directory Page and Rostrevor College from the School's Directory Page.
Watch their video here:
St Patrick’s Technical College (StPatsTech) is celebrating a win for Old Scholar Sarah Mills crowned Trainee of the Year at the 2019 SA Training Awards.
Class of 2018 Hair & Beauty graduate, Sarah completed her Certificate III in Beauty Services with TAFE SA and now works full-time at Brazilian Beauty North Adelaide with her focus on making people feel confident in their own skin.
Sarah sees her work as a stepping stone to her goal of becoming a dermatologist. She would like to help people cope with skin conditions and come up with solutions that aren’t too complex or harsh on patients’ skin.
Held on Friday 6 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the night celebrated and recognised quality, excellence and innovation in training. Hosted by the Training and Skills Commission, the annual Awards are the State’s peak awards for Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni congratulated the six winners in the Individual Awards.
"I have no doubt that many of these young people will be owning their own businesses and hiring apprentices and trainees of their own in the years to come."
Sarah will now represent South Australia on the national stage at the Australian Training Awards hosted in Brisbane on Thursday 21 November.
St Patrick’s Technical College was a finalist at this year’s awards in the VET Innovation for Schools Award category. Year 12 Metals and Engineering student Tayla Carll was also a finalist for the School-based Apprentice of the Year Award. Tayla is currently studying a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade while an apprentice at Stratco.
Nearly 1000 St Patrick’s Technical College students have commenced apprenticeships/traineeships in South Australia.
The specialist trade training school offers education, training and apprenticeship pathways to Year 11 and 12 students in the north of Adelaide.
Twelve VET students from Rosewater Trade Training Centre particpated in a National Skills Week 2019 activity on Tuesday 27 August . The Certificate II Salon Assistant trainees - the “Uplift Hair & Beauty Team” showcased their skills at a community level - a women’s shelter, providing a safe comfortable environment for women who are rebuilding their lives after fleeing from domestic violence.
Prior to the visit, Jayne Shortt, Schools and Community Engagement Officer from St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Inc, presented information on the centre and its purpose. TAFESA’s Priscilla the Mobile Hair Salon was a hit with both clients and trainees. With the sun shining, our Uplift team were keen to impress and the clients (and centre staff members) were spoilt for choice. Some decided to have their hair washed and blow dried in Priscilla, with full salon support. Others chose the comfort of the activity room, which was a hive of activity providing makeup and nail polish applications, braiding, curling, and straightening. Our Uplift team worked well together, rotating between the two workspaces.
An overwhelming donation of products were perfectly merchandised and our clients were invited to choose whatever they required. A special thanks to Anna and Renato from TAFESA ensuring Priscilla was open for business!
It was unanimous that the team were empathetic in showcasing their skills. We have shown that National Skills Week events can take on the form of any experience and we are grateful to Vinnies for entrusting us to help them out. The Uplift Team and Rosewater Trade Training Centre will continue to partner with Vinnies in their community programs in the future.
Some heartening quotes from the team following their debrief meeting:
“I felt comfortable as the clients were chatty and interested in my career pathway”
"Even the children wanted to have their hair done– I even got to put some makeup on a young girl”
"It was fun merchandising the products – this was going to help the clients choose what they may need. There was so many donated products. We wrote a note to tell them to take what they needed”
“Just a rewarding experience”
"A lady had curly hair and I straightened it and she was so thankful she gave me a hug”
“It was fun rotating between Priscilla and the activities room – everyone worked well as a team to give the clients the best experience possible”
Would you go back and help out again? Definitely yes
The Optimising Industry Support for STEM project is a component of the Catholic Education SA STEM Learning Initiative. The CESA STEM Learning Initiative supports an innovative, system-wide approach to STEM teaching and learning with an emphasis on animating our vision and identity as defined by Catholic Education SA’s Living Learning Leading Framework.
Resources for Schools
These resources have been compiled as part of the Optimising Industry Support for STEM project. The aims of this project are to:
The resources will include VET and career tools for schools to assist in providing up to date information for students, an industry database to connect industry partners with schools and case study videos from current students and alumni. They will showcase some career pathways available in STEM related fields.
The first part of the project to be released is the STEM Resource page for Teachers.
Last week Vocational Education Coordinators spent the day exploring pathways in the Civil Construction Industry. Christine Stone, Rebecca Pickering and staff from Civil Construction Federation put together a full day of professional learning including providing overviews of the streams and career pathways available in civil construction; CITB program Doorways to Construction; guest speakers from Civil Construction Industry – BMD, Bardavcol, Eichler and Carly Zanini who spoke about the career opportunities for women in construction. This also included a visit to the simulation room providing an opportunity for participants from Catholic and Independent Schools to get hands on experience with the equipment. Civil Train SA houses the largest civil construction simulator centre in the Southern Hemisphere with over 25 simulators representing excavators, loaders, dump truck, grader, dozers and scrapers.
St Patrick’s Technical College presented the pathways they offer in Civil Construction.
An additional component of the day was a focus on the disability sector with presentations by Minda, Bedford and Barkuma. A highlight was a presentation by two students undertaking the Transition Program with Barkuma. They spoke very confidently and glowingly about the benefits of the program including self-confidence, how to write a resume and apply for jobs, work experience and skills learned through undertaking a VET course.
It was another full day of professional learning and networking. Our special thanks go to the VET & Vocational Learning Planning Group, the Civil Contractor’s Federation and all the presenters on the day.
Vocational education is opening doors to jobs of the future for today’s students.
Space. Cyber security. Defence. Construction. The world is changing all around us, with new industries and new technologies springing up on an almost daily basis. These changes promise an exciting future for today’s school students, many of whom will be employed in jobs that don’t yet exist or have yet even to be conceptualised.
To ready students and arm them with the skills they’ll need for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, Catholic Education has launched a new website to help students and families explore vocational educational training (VET) options in South Australia. The website provides a searchable directory that offers information on available VET courses as well as guidance for those unsure which career pathway to take.
“The majority of future pathway jobs will include vocational pathways so they’re becoming increasingly important for young people to be aware of the benefits,” says Jacqui Asser, Catholic Education senior education adviser: vocational education. “Post-school pathways are a lot more complicated now than they used to be. The website aims to connect students and parents with some of the current thinking and information.”
In addition to gaining valuable skills and experiences, students embarking on a VET course receive credits to help them complete their SACE. “Our high-quality vocational education programs support the articulation of student pathways, prepare students for current and future training and employment options and integrate those programs seamlessly across the school curriculum,” Asser says. “They have a particular focus on students working towards SACE completion because we believe that’s very important.”
St Patrick’s Technical College student Alicia Phay, pictured, started her school-based apprenticeship in electronics and engineering at Codan Communications in February this year and hasn’t looked back. “I’m really lucky to work here,” she says. “I feel as though I’ve improved and matured a lot since getting an apprenticeship. This is my first job ever so I’ve learned new skills.”
As not only the youngest apprentice the company has employed but also one of the few female members of the electronics industry workforce, Alicia is proud to be leading the way. “I’m 16 so I’m getting a head start on a lot of people,” she says. “And I’m breaking new ground because there’s not a lot of girls in this area or even in my class – it’s just me.”
Alicia intends to use the credits from her Certificate III in Electronics and Communications to help her achieve a university qualification at the end of her apprenticeship. “I’m interested in doing a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, she says. “I’d like to do software engineering and I’m aiming towards working in the defence or mining industries but I’m not sure which at this stage.”
On Tuesday 2 July 2019, Christian Brothers College once again hosted their annual Year 12 Industry & Old Scholar Networking Breakfast.
Rationale | Networking can be one of the most important career development strategies that is often overlooked by students.
The gymnasium looked spectacular for the event with grazing tables dressed to perfection with an assortment of food supplied by old scholars Mayfair Bakery and Barossa Fine Foods.
A donut wall of purple and white was a favourite of both students and attendees; as well as the fine barista made coffee and hot chocolates supplied by our own ‘Barista Bros’ Louis and Brody.
Indigenous Elder Mr John Lochowiak opened the event by welcoming everyone to country and acknowledging the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains and land in which CBC stands on today. Principal, Mr Dan Lynch officially welcomed Dr Neil Mc Goran, Director Catholic Education SA, Ms Cate McGuire, CBC Board Chair, industry representatives, old scholars and students to the breakfast prior to introducing an aspirational video which featured old collegian footage and pictures of current Year 12 students
Students were given the opportunity to collect course information and ask questions about post school pathways from Tafe SA, Adelaide University, Flinders University, Torrens University and the University of South Australia future student counsellors.
The Key Note Speaker was 2002 Graduate, Mr Pat Munoz, Senior Manager Forensics, PwC Melbourne and challenged students to never give up; find a Mentor and to do things now that will put you in the “right place” to secure your dream job in the future.
The event closed with CBC staff member Mr Joshua Roach encouraging everyone to be upstanding for the singing of the CBC school song.
‘Give three cheers for the purple and white’
2019 College Captain Lucas Sanders thanked everyone for attending especially the notable old scholar and industry representatives. This great event was made possible by the hard work of our dedicated VET/Careers Coordinator, Ms Sandra Mitchell. Please contact the College if you wish to be involved in next year's event.
Jane Best has some valuable advice for her children: find out who you want to be and follow your dreams. So when her daughter Erin chose to embrace a vocational education training opportunity in order to pursue her dream of a career working with food, Jane was fully supportive of her daughter’s decision.
As a Year 11 student at Mount Carmel College in Rosewater, Erin opted to study her Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, which included doing 140 voluntary hours in a kitchen. Then, in Year 12, came the offer of a school-based apprenticeship at the Caledonian Hotel in North Adelaide, giving Erin the chance to gain her Certificate III in Kitchen Operations while still completing her South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
“I was so happy for her,” Jane says. “This has given her an amazing opportunity to transition from school to a working life. She’s seeing the world through more mature eyes, working with various demographics and ages, being led by various people in the kitchen and contributing to
their success.”
Jane is also appreciative of the positive mental impact her daughter’s experience is bringing. “Her self-esteem is absolutely through the roof,” she says. “She’s so proud of what she’s achieving and she doesn’t have that fear of the unknown after school. And she’s getting major life skills.”
These skills mean that, at the end of Erin’s apprenticeship, a number of career pathways will be open to her in an industry that has grown 7 per cent year-on-year for the past four years in Australia alone. “By the time she’s in her early 20s, she’s going to be a qualified chef and she can go off into the world, travel, go to university – do whatever she wants to, because she has a fantastic foundation for the rest of her life” Jane says. “I could not be more proud.”
St Patrick’s Technical College is celebrating the announcement that it has three finalists in the prestigious 2019 SA Training Awards.
The announcements came this week with the College itself named finalist in the VET Innovation in Schools category.
Also making the finals list is Year 12 Metals and Engineering student Tayla Carll, who is an apprentice at Stratco and Class of 2018 Hair and Beauty graduate Sarah Mills, who recently completed her beauty therapist traineeship at Brazilian Beauty in North Adelaide.
StPatsTech Principal Danny Deptula said the College is delighted to be represented by two very different, but equally impressive, young women. “Sarah and Tayla’s inclusion in the short list of finalists in the SA Training Awards is fantastic. We are immensely proud of both young women and the pathways they represent for other girls coming up behind them,’’ Mr Deptula said.
Mr Deptula said the College was honoured to be selected as a finalist in the inaugural VET Innovation in Schools category.
“What we do here at StPatsTech is truly unique in every sense. Since opening our doors in 2007, we have been innovators in delivering senior secondary education within a vocational education and training context,’’ Mr Deptula said. “For us, VET is not an optional program offered separate to a students’ main subjects. It is the main subject offered to our students and it complements their SACE studies. We are delighted to be recognised by the SA Skills and Training Commission.”
Tayla, who is in the School-based Apprentice of the Year category, is the first female Metals and Engineering apprentice taken on by Stratco and has broken new ground in terms of women in traditionally male-dominated trade areas. The Andrews Farm resident has been able to use StPatsTech’s contextualised, hands-on educational structure to overcome some learning challenges. By combining her vocational education and training studies with her SACE subjects, Tayla is on track to complete Year 12 and her first year of her apprenticeship by the end of the year.
“Ever since joining us at the start of 2018, Tayla has continued to impress all who have come in contact with her because of her focus, dedication and can-do attitude,’’ Mr Deptula said. Tayla was part of the College’s innovative P-TECH Australia program with industry partner Century Engineering.
Old Scholar Sarah Mills, who is in the Trainee of the Year category, has overcome issues with low self-esteem and self-image and used her experiences in her work. As a beauty therapist, Sarah focusses on making people feel confident in their own skin.
Hailing from Williamstown, Sarah has a particular focus on helping young people deal with acne that builds their self-esteem. She hopes to one day become a dermatologist. “Sarah is a wonderful example of a young person overcoming some very challenging issues and using that experience to help others,’’ Mr Deptula said. “StPatsTech is proud to be represented by Sarah, who we have seen grow into a confident young woman and a role model for others.’’
The SA Training Award winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on 6 September 2019.
St Joseph's School Reception to Year 6 students celebrate Careers Week with visits from the South Australian Police Force and SA Ambulance Service. It was a busy day at St Joe's with students dressing up for Careers Week. There was a wide variety of careers chosen with the Emergency Services being very popular this year. There were Vets, Zoo Keepers, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Sports Stars, Lawyers, Fighter Jet Pilots, Artists, Tradies and more.
A number of Catholic secondary schools came together recently to explore the question ‘What does good career guidance look like when it’s good?’ The ultimate goal is to create a whole of school Career Development and Education Framework that encompasses both career guidance and career education programs. Each school has identified a starting point that most meets their school priorities; these include: creating a career education curriculum for Year 7 students, raising the career self-efficacy of students in Year 9, revamping the PLP Learning and Assessment Plan to include work place learning, creating a whole school approach to career development, utilising coaching programs to enhance career education and maximise the key capabilities, addressing the Year 11 gap in career education. Schools also explored the importance of incorporating evidence and data collection to underpin the process of school inquiry.
A requirement of the Framework is to embed the CESA Key Capabilities as a means for ensuring students have a range of skills and dispositions to be active citizens in future learning, work, community and personal life. The Key Capabilities are highlighted in the CESA Living Learning Leading Framework.
A number of regional schools were able to particpate via video conferencing,
St Pats Tech has a proud history of re-engaging young people in their education through vocational education training and pathways. We were delighted to be part of this Northern Futures Inc project to talk about the fantastic opportunities available across the north for today's young people.
With Northern Futures Inc., Danny Deptula Principal of St Patrick's College, talks about the importance of young people having a sense of optimism about their future, and the wonderful opportunities around South Australia:
Congratulations to Mackenzie Dowling in Year 10 who has been accepted into the Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP15) for Semester 1, 2019. The DIPP is a semester long VET course which focuses on advanced manufacturing and design. The course was designed in collaboration with the Maritime Skills Centre and ASC Shipbuilding to educate students in CAD Design and 3D printing so that they can develop strengths that will allow future employment in the defence industries.
Entry into the DIPP is competitive, with only 14 students accepted across the state per semester. Students must write an application letter and then, if invited, be interviewed by prospective lecturers. Only after this process do students know if they have successfully gained a position in the course.
We are excited that Mackenzie will be the third consecutive Year 10 student to undertake this course, following in the footsteps of Meera Jeganathan and Amatullah Mansurwala in Semester 1 and 2 in 2018. We know Mackenzie will be a wonderful ambassador for Kildare College as she demonstrates to the greater community the success that our students are achieving in STEM.
Two 2016 alumni from Rosewater Trade Training Centre were at the opening of the virtual reality TAFE SA (Regency Campus) Advanced Welder Training Centre this week opened by Minister Pisoni, Minister Gardner and Weld Australia's CE Geoff Crittenden. Jesse Reberger and Jacob Raymond are now apprenticed at LAI Switchboards Australia and got the opportunity to 'train the trainer' and show Shane Gubbin, Rosewater Trade Training Centre Manager and Annemarie O'Grady, Industry Connect at Rosewater Trade Training Centre how to VR weld.
TAFE SA’s new state of the art Advanced Welder Training Centre is now delivering training following the installation of 12 welding simulators, which are the most advanced simulators of their kind in the world. The new simulators will ensure that local welders are ready to respond to the increased demand for their skills as part of the naval shipbuilding program and in advanced manufacturing.
The opening of the Advanced Welder Training Centre coincides with a number of industry imperatives including:
‘Australia is facing a significant shortage of qualified and certified welders. Without action, the nation will be unable to meet future demand on major projects in industries as diverse as defence, shipbuilding, aerospace, infrastructure, rolling stock, and resources.
According to a recent employment outlook survey in Australia, skilled trades workers are scarce—38% of Australian employers admit that filling job vacancies is increasingly difficult, mainly due to lack of experience (23%), lack of applicants (21%), and lack of skills (2%).
With a projected employment growth rate of 7.2% expected over the next five years for structural steel and welding trade workers, the welding skills shortage is clearly reaching breaking point in Australia.
This employment growth rate is not surprising given some of the major projects on the horizon. For instance, it is anticipated that the Federal Government’s $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Program in South Australia will require around 2,600 tradespeople from 2020 to 2027. Almost half of this demand will be for welders.
Augmented and virtual reality training systems are student-focused, allowing individual students to progress at their own pace. Welding apprentices learn and understand welding procedures and techniques through a more interactive training method, gaining hands-on experience in a controlled, safe environment.
With zero risks involved, apprentices can respond to realistic scenarios without pressure or fear of injury. Augmented and virtual reality training is enabling future welders to acquire the skills and the self-confidence they need before moving into real-world workshops.’ Weld Australia 2019.
The Career Development and Education Network (CDEN) provides support to school leaders and teachers to build a strategic approach to Career Development and Education across middle and senior schooling. Current theories and frameworks in Career Development and Education are studied in line with the school’s self-assessment and school priorities. A focus will also be on the General Capabilities and the CESA Living, Learning, Leading Framework as a means for ensuring students have a range of skills and dispositions to be active citizens in future learning, work, community and personal life.
Danielle Cavanagh, ACARA, presented the National Career Education Strategy, and the project target to raise awareness among teachers and school leaders of the importance of high-quality career education. A target is also to develop resources that support both school leaders and teachers to use the Australian Curriculum: General Capabilities to provide quality career education and build the employment readiness of their students.
Louise Johnson, SACE Board, provided a background to the Capabilities, their transferability to Employability skills and how they can be used to drive the learning; mapping, recording and assessing the capabilities; innovation & enterprise and link to 21st Century Skills. Schools were encouraged to see where the Capabilities could become more visible in the curriculum and what the assessment could look like.
The schools in the CDEN Network will continue their research and framework projects for the remainder of the school year.
Ivan Neville, Branch Manager, Labour Market Research and Analysis branch, Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, was the guest presenter for the Term 1 VET and Vocational Learning PD & Network Day. His presentation highlighted Labour market trends and what employers are looking for in job seekers.
He described some of the changes in the labour market including globalisation, social and demographic changes, technology and automation and structural change. Not all jobs can be automated and jobs requiring social skills, creativity, complex thinking or managerial skills are in demand and with population growth, lifestyle changes and an ageing population many traditional jobs in the Services industries will keep growing.
Technology is not only replacing jobs, it’s also creating jobs such as AI Designers, Big Data Analysts, Solar Power Design Engineers, Digital Technology Teachers, Cyber Security Professionals, Aerial Surveyors, Social Media Managers and Robotic Clinical Specialists.
Youth unemployment remains a challenge, along with young people who don’t have working parents as role models.
While there has been a shift away from VET towards university pathways, VET can be a good option with most trades in shortage and VET graduates earning good starting salaries. Employers look for job seekers who have work experience and place significant emphasis on employability skills when hiring. Job advertisements requiring Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Digital Literacy and Creativity have increased by up to 200% since 2012. These transferable skills are not easily replicated by artificial intelligence
The Term 1 VET and Vocational Learning PD & Network Day was well attended by VET Coordinators and Career Development Practitioners from Catholic and Independent schools and incorporated other presenters including Michelle Potts, Department for Innovation and Skills; Adele Broster, SACE Board; Anna Cirillo, TAFE SA; a sharing of good practice in Career Counselling by Cornerstone College and networking opportunities.
The Rosewater Trade Training Centre hosted The Hon David Pisoni, Minister for Industry & Skills and special visitors from America's largest military shipbuilding company - Huntington Ingalls Industries.
What a great example of how we work with employers to support training and employment opportunities for our students!
St Patrick’s Technical College has opened its doors this week to local primary school children to give them a real trade experience.
With the College’s Year 11 and 12 students finished for the year, more than 260 Year 6 and 7 students from five primary schools in Playford and Gawler were able to get their hands dirty in the College’s state-of-the-art workshops during Try-a-Trade days.
The visiting students were able to experience some of the hands-on learning offered by StPatsTech. They made wooden tea light candle holders in the Building and Construction workshop; built mini biscuit houses in the Food and Hospitality kitchen; learned some basic automotive skills in the mechanical workshop; made their own electric conductivity tester in the Electrotechnology workshop; and learnt about gear ratios by building LEGO Technic Power Car in the science lab.
College Principal Danny Deptula said the visiting students were only a few years off making decisions about career pathways.
“We want to ensure vocational education pathways are given the same consideration and weight by families and students as a tertiary pathway,’’ Mr Deptula said.
“By opening our fantastic, $15 million purpose-built facility to local primary school students, we hope it opens their eyes to a whole slew of possible careers through vocational education.
“We were very pleased to host the students and welcome any other schools who would like to give their students some hands-on learning opportunities.’’
Among the schools visiting StPatsTech are St Brigid’s Catholic School, St Mary Magdalene’s School, St Thomas More School, Blakeview Primary School and Hewett Primary School.
Increasing numbers of students in Catholic schools are choosing a vocational education and training (VET) pathway.
While the numbers of students enrolled in trade training and VET courses are steady, Catholic Education South Australia is seeing an increase in enrolments in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
“An apprenticeship or traineeship gives a student the opportunity to learn practical skills in their chosen profession,” explains Jacqui Asser, Senior Education Advisor.
“Catholic Education SA statistics show that students undertaking a school-based apprenticeship in our technical colleges and trade training centres are more likely to complete their apprenticeship due to the high level of support received through their school.
“Our statistics show that our completion rates are much higher than the national average. This is great news for our students!”
And it is no longer a matter of choosing SACE or VET – students can now get the best of both worlds.
“Forty percent of students undertaking a VET course do so as part of their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE),” explains Jacqui.
“An increasing number of students are completing full certificate III level courses that are recognised for an ATAR as part of a student’s SACE completion.
Around 2500 students in Catholic Schools are enrolled in VET courses. Growth areas mirror those identified by the state government as having increasing labour market demand. These include:
trades and technical trade areas
aged care
early childhood education and care
tourism
hospitality.
“There is also a greater emphasis on areas identified for future employment need such as engineering, electrotechnology, electronics, architectural drafting, IT and cyber security.”
Information technology has changed dramatically, and can prepare students for careers in software engineering, network and cybersecurity systems. Students learn how to code in order to create new software products for a variety of operating systems plus web and cloud application development.
Photos: Students at the Rosewater Trade Training Centre – the centre helps secondary school students in Years 10 – 12 to enhance their future career options. The centre is located adjacent Mt Carmel College in Rosewater.
Three Catholic school students, a graduate and a teacher are among the finalists in the 2018 SA Training Awards. St Patrick’s Technical College and MTC Training are also up for organisation awards.
“This is an amazing line up! We congratulate and wish all the finalists well,” says Jacqui Asser, Senior Education Adviser, Vocational Education at Catholic Education South Australia.
‘The SA Training Awards aim to raise the profile of skills and reward individuals and organisations for their outstanding commitment and contribution to skilling Australia. The awards recognise high achievers in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in industries that prepare students for the current and future world of work. In addition to nationally accredited training, students undertaking VET gain practical experience, industry exposure and learn essential skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork.
Congratulations to the following nominees:
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
School based Apprentice of the Year
Apprentice of the Year
VET Teacher/Trainer
ORGANISATION AWARDS
Industry Collaboration Award
Training Provider of the Year
Voting for the People’s Choice Award opens soon on the Training and Skills Commission website: www.tasc.sa.gov.au/SA-Training-Awards/2018-Finalists.
“I’d strongly encourage you to get behind our finalists and cast your vote daily.”
Award winners will be announced at a presentation dinner on September 7.
St Columba College Year 12 student Simon Knox-Simmons has been recognised for his achievements at the recent PEER Awards Night held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Undertaking a Certificate II in Electronics, Simon was recognised as the most outstanding student in his course.
Currently studying Year 12, Simon has been enhancing his learning through Vocational Education & Training (VET) with PEER, a group training and employment of apprentices and traineeships provider. Simon is currently in his second year and will complete his training this year.
As part of his VET course, Simon attends PEER one day a week and provides him with adequate hours to attend school while working towards a career in the electrotechnology industry while completing his South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
VET in Schools is a great pathway where students can complete VET studies as part of their SACE, with St Columba College providing opportunities and pathways through the Futures and Careers Counsellor. This service contributes to supporting and guiding students in future pathways while aiding their studies at school.
It was through the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) in Year 10 where Simon started to investigate his career options and explore a pathway as an electrician.
Simon was guided by Mr Shane Dowling, Futures and Careers Counsellor, who provided him with information and advice on subject choices, tertiary options, vocational learning (VET) and careers through a variety of avenues.
“St Columba College introduced me to PEER and helped enrol me into the VET program,” Simon said.
“I was inspired to start my Certificate II course because I wanted to get a head start when it came to becoming an electrician.”
Simon has used his VET course as a key component to complete his SACE.
“Vocational learning can be used as a flexible option in the SACE and it provides students with real life, authentic and practical experiences,” Mr Dowling said.
“It also allows students to remain at school, finish their SACE and have the continuing support and network of peers and staff.”
“We are immensely proud of his achievements and he should be congratulated on his award. He has demonstrated outstanding application as a VET student and he has displayed the capabilities to be an effective employee post school.”
One day, not too far away, Simon is looking forward to running his own electrical company, and stories such as Simon’s, inspire others to envisage and action early career planning.
Luke Edwards has always been interested in a practical career where he can be active and use his hands.
When he attended an open day at St Patrick's Technical College he knew the purpose-built trade training school for Year 11 and 12 students was the right place for him to achieve his career aspirations.
"I really wanted to gain more practical skills to help me move towards a trade career - possibly plumbing or electrical - so St Patrick's was instantly appealing," Luke says.
Luke studied the Personal Learning Plan subject at the beginning of Year 11 when he first joined St Patrick's to help him think about his personal goals and interests, and identify his existing skills.
The St Patrick's plumbing course was the ideal choice for Luke, as it offered students theory, knowledge of workplace practices, and practical skills - providing a strong foundation for a career in a trade.
Students study a unique SACE course, developed at St Patrick's for the plumbing industry, providing them with prevocational competencies from Certificate II in Construction Pathways (Plumbing).
"Through the course, I learnt about different types of pipe and how to connect them; I'm competent in different types of wielding. I've also studied metal fabrication and made a tool box and a folding shovel," he says.
"We also had seven blocks of work experience this year and it's through work experience that students may be offered an apprenticeship.
"I've actually had an offer from a family friend who's a sparky. So I may decide to go into a plumbing or electrical apprenticeship or even consider doing a trade in the army," Luke adds.
Sixteen year-old St Columba College student, Antonio Miceli, handles a cut throat razor with skill.
Antonio has an energetic passion for the trade and recently started his barbering apprenticeship with Barber Boys, Munno Para.
In the lead-up to commencing his Certificate III in Barbering, Antonio has dedicated many volunteer hours in the shop, developing his skills and learning from one of the best in the field, his shop manager Anwar Al Hassanieh, a barber with over 14 years industry experience.
By his own efforts, for a whole year Antonio worked every Saturday at the store and took part in workshops on Tuesday nights at the Barbery Academy training centre until his was old enough to apply for an apprenticeship.
“I initially contacted the boss of Barber Boys and the Barbery Academy. I had an interview at the training centre, but because I was only 15, I was too young at the time for an apprenticeship,” Antonio said.
His year of dedication and commitment to working in the store and learning the craft has ultimately secured him his apprenticeship now that he has turned 16 years of age.
Officially commencing in April, Antonio’s school-based apprenticeship sees him juggling barbering with his Year 11 school studies.
“An apprenticeship takes three and a half years but at this time mine will take me seven years,” Antonio said.
“I currently work 25 hours a weeks, plus school, but when I finish Year 12 I can do more hours and the length of my apprenticeship will go down.”
Antonio aims to finish Year 12 with the support of his parents and the encouragement from St Columba College and the Futures Counsellor, Mr Shane Dowling.
“Mr Dowling really encouraged me to pursue this career. He helped me get in contact with Barber Boys to start an apprenticeship,” Antonio said.
“To get an apprenticeship you have to complete Year 10 and be 16. It’s expected you quit school and do it full-time,” he said. “My parents also want me to finish school.”
As the Futures Counsellor at St Columba College, Mr Dowling works in partnership with organisations, such as Business SA, to ensure there are agreements and an understanding of the school-based apprenticeship between the student, the family, the employer and the College.
“The College is able to support the student balance both work and school commitments,” Mr Dowling said.
“This promotes excellent outcomes for the student as they can successfully complete their SACE as well as reduce the number of years to complete the apprenticeship, post school.”
As a Futures Counsellor, Mr Dowling provides professional advice to students on careers and future pathways.
“In Year 10, we teach the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) as part of the SACE. This is a valuable opportunity for students to work on their career development and begin to look at Vocational Pathways,” Mr Dowling said.
Antonio chose Barbering as part of his PLP last year, helping him to plan for his future and assisting him in choosing subjects to study for Years 11 and 12.
His subsequent planning and his first hair cutting experience on his best friend at the age of 14, has turned his dream into a passion, enthusiasm and dedication to the real culture of barbering.
Advancing his techniques while working in the store, Antonio has created his own barber room at home while promoting his services through social media.
“I made a table last year at school in Design and I’ve also got a mirror along with all my tools such as clippers, scissors, cut throat and trimmers,” he said.
“Ultimately, I would like my own store and have someone run that with me and something else like maybe a pub or maybe a tattoo parlour,” Antonio said.
Thinking even bigger, Antonio said he would eventually like to open up his own business all over the world and cut hair for the rich and famous.
Imogen Mullholland harvested her first vintage of grapes while still in high school and studying to be a trainee viticulturist.
She was among a number of Marcellin Technical College students who had begun a new program aimed at developing practical viticulture skills, through work placements with vineyard contractors and wineries in McLaren Vale, while working towards their SACE.
"It was a great opportunity for me to get my hands dirty and learn how to produce good-quality grapes," says Imogen, who undertook a Certificate III in Food Processing through River Murray Training.
"Sampling the grapes was the first task of my placement, and that is done to determine when they will be ready to be harvested.
"I then did vine training, cutting back the vines, and when the grapes were ready to be harvested I drove the tractor and collected them."
Imogen's job placements included collecting grapes at Gemtree and Kangarilla Road vineyards, making the most of the eight-week harvest period, before returning to school.
"It was amazing to be able to finish my schooling in a way that links with the job I wanted to be doing and to gain the SACE. It doesn't have to be just studying in a classroom," she says.
Troy Elliker, Operations Manager of The Terraces, where Imogen did her work placement, welcomed the initiative as a way to help address a skills shortage in the viticulture industry.
"It's hard to find good operators in this industry, so it's good that courses are being offered like this and good that students are responding as they need to get experience," he says.
"Imogen has learnt about all aspects of viticulture including processing, planting, irrigation, sampling, and disease control," he adds.
Ross Neylon never looked back after joining St Patrick’s Technical College at the end of Year 10.
Ross is a qualified Diesel Mechanic and with his employer, Central Diesel, he completed his apprenticeship while working on major oil and gas projects in South Australia and Queensland.
He believes St Patrick’s Technical College set him on the path to success but is also grateful to the teacher at his previous school who advised him to join St Patrick’s and recognised it would give him the best start to a trades’ based career.
“St Patrick’s understands the needs of industry and align their curriculum and training to the real world,” said Ross.
“Even for Maths, English and Science, the lessons are geared towards the world of work and use industry applications to teach core subjects, which makes learning fun and highly relevant.
“I successfully completed my SACE and I’m sure my results were much better because I was learning about these subjects in the context of something I was passionate about.
“The teachers are highly motivated and come from industry so inspire your learning and development by making you aware of the opportunities available to you in the future.
“The practical training provided at the College is undertaken in facilities and using machinery of industry standard and this makes it easier when transitioning from work experience to a school-based apprenticeship and then full-time employment.
“St Patrick’s was one of the best decisions I’ve made, gave me a real head start and meant I graduated at a more advanced level than students attending a normal school.”
Ross was one of the first graduates of St Patrick’s Technical College and is now one of hundreds more enjoying a successful trades’ based career.
At twenty two years old Ashley Peek was appointed Sous Chef at Adelaide restaurant Stumps Bar and Kitchen – just five years after making the transition from his then school to St Patrick’s Technical College in order to further his career ambitions.
In 2007, Ashley made the move to St Patrick’s after being given advice by his then teachers that the College was better placed to put him on the road to success by harnessing his passion for food and cooking.
Shortly after joining, the St Patrick’s team assisted Ashley in gaining an apprenticeship at the famous Rigoni’sBistro on Leigh Street, Adelaide, where he worked for five years before taking on his role at Stumps Bar and Kitchen in Hyde Park.
In his role, Ashley is responsible for menu development, training new chefs, sourcing and purchasing produce and overseeing a busy commercial kitchen.
It’s a remarkable achievement for a young chef and Ashley credits St Patrick’s Technical College’s industry focus as playing a pivotal in achieving success at a young age.
Ashley says St Patrick’s Technical College really helped him prepare for life in the hospitality industry including making him aware of the possible rewards on offer and the hard work needed to be successful.
“The teachers at St Patrick’s have real world experience and knowledge and the ability to not only teach but guide you in your chosen career,” said Ashley.
“In my case, the teacher running the course had worked as a chef and baker for more than 25 years and was still working in the industry as well as teaching at the College. He understood my passion for the industry and was very supportive in helping me to make positive decisions about my career.”
“Being able to indulge my love of food and cooking and learn in an environment so closely aligned to the real world also inspired me in my study of core subjects like Maths and English.”
“Finishing my SACE has proved invaluable. The lessons learned in the core subjects have been directly applied in my work, particularly for menu development and food costings. The facilities at the College are also industry standard so students use commercial grade equipment and this is a great help when undertaking an apprenticeship and going onto further study at Regency College. It makes the transition much easier.”
“Students at the College also get to prepare restaurant quality food using modern cooking techniques and top quality produce. The College helps you to gain an understanding how of food is grown and produced including visits to market gardens and food manufacturers.”
Ashley was among the first students to attend St Patrick’s Technical College but he’s not the only former student to have experienced success in the hospitality industry.
Former students have gone on to work in some of Australia’s leading hotels and restaurants with one St Pat’s graduate already crowned South Australia’s winner of the prestigious Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat.
