2020 Try a VET day @ the North Central Trade Traing Centre

More than 120 Year 9 and 10 students from Buloke and Loddon Shires attended the annual North Central Trade Training Centre “Try a VET (Vocational Education and Training)” program at Charlton on 30 October 2020.

Coordinated in conjunction with the North Central LLEN, the program provided opportunities for students from Boort District School, Charlton College, Donald High School, East Loddon P-12, Pyramid Hill College, St Arnaud Secondary College, Wedderburn College and Wycheproof College to sample the 12 different VET subjects on offer at the Trade Training Centre.

According to Principal of the NCTTC Kelvin Baird, it was a great opportunity for students to explore subject specific information to assist them in choosing a VET subject.

“It also supported them to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the interesting pathways that may come if they apply themselves to a specific area of study and thus supporting more purposeful engagement in learning,” he said.

The day began with an Industry Panel with Anthony Judd (Local Government), Fiona Best (agriculture) and Matt Allan (health and community services) who spoke about vocational pathways within their current organisations and these three sectors more generally.

 

Chaired by North Central LLEN Executive Officer Jane Hosking, panellists shared their own career journeys culminating in their current positions – Anthony as CEO of Buloke Shire Council, Fiona as CEO of the Birchip Cropping Group and Matt as a Youth Worker at Northern District Community Health.

They also spoke about the different career pathways available in the local government, agriculture and health sectors, as well as what they see as the most important job skills for young people – the importance of having a strong work ethic, a good attitude and a willingness to try new things.

The panel session finished with Anthony, Fiona and Matt sharing the advice they would give their 15 year old self if they could go back in time, which included being kind to yourself, doing the best you can, getting as much work experience as possible, and saying yes to any opportunities that are given to you as they will often open up to even bigger opportunities.

Ms Hosking said it was great to have these three industry leaders share their insights at a pivotal time for the student’s as they make decisions regarding their educational future.

“Many of the jobs of the future have not even been invented yet, so for students to have an ‘edge’ in the work place it is important that they have a diverse mix of skills that are transferrable across industries and workplaces, and VET help obtain these,” she said.

The day was also an opportunity to launch the new NCTTC website that has been developed to promote VET education opportunities, and a series of subject videos about each of the 12 subjects on offer at the Centre as well as an overview video of the facilities.

 

Above:  Industry Panel Members talked about the future of work and career opportunities within the agriculture, health and local government sectors (L-R) Anthony Judd (Buloke Shire Council), Fiona Best (Birchip Cropping Group), Matt Allan (Northern District Community Health Service) and MC Jane Hosking (North Central LLEN)

Launching the new resources, North Central LLEN Chair Ellen White said that these resources will allow students, teachers and parents to access the latest up-to-date information about vocational education and training, as well as the state-of-the are facilities available at the Trade Training Centre if they wish to pursue this as an educational pathway.

“Last week we launched a new youth led report on How Work works: Getting young people employment in our growing industries which identified that the first thing employers look for on a CV is experience, and vocational education and training provides this.”

“Experience teaches young people how to work in a team and hones people, communication, and organisational skills – critical skills employers are seeking – and these are learned by doing,” she said.

 

Left: Teachers, Industry Members and NCLLEN staff at the launch of the new NCTTC website and resources (L-R) Back row – Chris Poole (Boort District School), Bianca Winslade (NCTTC), Anthony Judd (Buloke Shire), Jane Hosking (NCLLEN), Kelvin Baird (Charlton College), Ellen White (NCLLEN), Julie Roberts (NCLLEN), Angela Poxon (NCLLEN), Sean McCann (Pyramid Hill College). Front Row: Sarah Byrne (East Loddon P-12 College), Hayley Smith (Wedderburn College), Emma Milne (Wedderburn College), Sue Clay (NCLLEN), Julian Smith (NCTTC), Mary-Ann Sait (NCLLEN)

Students from across the North Central region taking part in the 2020 NCTTC VET Taster Day

Building & Construction

Sport & Recreation

Agriculture

Hair Salon Assistant

Music

Beauty

Allied Heath

Community Services

Automotive

Animal Studies

Hospitality

Engineering