VET ________________________________________Page

2014 started with a bang! The Joseph Innovation Trade Training Centre was officially opened with over 240 students enrolled in VET at the College. I was set for a very busy year. Here at St Joseph’s we acknowledge that not every student learns in the same way and this is why we offer VET certificates as part of our curriculum. I have found VET is a great way to engage our boys in learning as it provides a “fun” and “hands on” approach. Being in an adult learning environment allows each boy to take responsibility for their own studies and teaches them the importance of hard work. Our boys were able to choose from over 25 VET courses across the Geelong region to undertake as part of their senior studies in 2014. With the opening of the Joseph Innovation Trade Training Centre we were able to offer 7 courses on – site at the College which included Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrotechnology, Carbon Management, Allied Health, Hospitality and Sport & Recreation. As a result of offering these courses we had 65% of students completing their VET studies on–site. Students were also lucky enough to be able to attend industry specific excursions as a part of their VET studies this year. The VET Electrotechnology class attended the Newport Power Station to receive an in depth tour of the facility and experience the large variety of careers that are related to the industry. The students had to wear hard hats, hearing protection and safety glasses whilst being escorted around the massive facility which allowed them to understand the importance of OH&S and what is expected from industry. Some VET certificates allow students the opportunity to have a “work placement”. The placement is held for one day a week or in the holidays. Placements are generally held with local employers in a field that is directly related to each students area of VET study. I have found these placements very beneficial for the boys as it allows them to apply the skills learnt in VET to the “Real World” and also helps the boys to become more “Job Ready” for their future pathways after St Joseph’s. School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship numbers have continued to rise in 2014. Here at St Joseph’s we currently have 43 students enrolled in school based traineeships in fields such as Community Services, Education Support, Traditional Trades and Information Technology. Boys who undertake a School Based Apprenticeship/ Traineeship are enrolled in a nationally recognised Certificate II or III level qualification whilst attending school. The boys are able to use this qualification to gain credit towards their VCE or VCAL studies. I have found that the boys who are currently participating in school based apprenticeships/traineeships are highly sought after by local employers when they finish their schooling. They have a great reputation for being well presented and hardworking and this is a real credit to them. Overall 2014 has been a great year for VET, The Joseph Innovation Trade Training Centre has given our school an edge in the VET market and now allows us to offer our students high level training which can be used in their future careers. The boys are extremely enthusiastic about their studies and can’t wipe the smiles off their faces every time they step foot in this state of the art facility. St Joseph’s College operates a great VET program and I am very excited to see what future years will bring.

Jarrod Gore - VET Coordinator

Newport Power Station Visit Allied Health

VET Carpentry