Ciara Duggan, 18, is aiming for a career providing art therapy for children with disabilities. To achieve her goal, she has undertaken a Certificate III in Children’s Services, a Certificate II in IT and a Certificate II in 3D Animation. Ciara completed her electronic animation Certificate outside her demanding St Clare’s College Year 12 workload, a mark of her motivation and outstanding abilities. Ciara believes she has the right skills and personality for her chosen field, a view endorsed by her supervisors. Her school principal remarks on Ciara’s strong work ethic, organisation, time management, teamwork and communication skills.
Billy Cheeseman, 17, has undertaken a Certificate III in Live Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Operations), building an impressive bank of skills and knowledge of the technical side of the entertainment industry, where he sees his career unfolding. Billy used his initiative to secure work placements on high-profile productions such as The Wiggles and Carols in the Domain. According to his employer, Billy gives 100 per cent and more every time. His principal at Terra Sancta College adds that Billy has an exceptional knowledge and understanding of the course content, evidenced by his academic achievement and an exceptionally high standard of competency achievement.
Alanna Reeve, 16, from Kormilda College, has completed a Certificate III in Hospitality Operations, the first student from her school to obtain a Certificate III qualification. Alanna plans to run her own restaurant or bar and undertook a vocational programme to give her a head start on acquiring the necessary skills and experience. Her course coordinator states that Alanna demonstrates the qualities essential to a professional in the hospitality industry—loyalty, commitment, enthusiasm, ability to deal with pressure and an excellent work ethic.
Raine O’Connor, 17, has aspired to a career in television from a young age. Armed with her studies in Certificate III in Broadcasting (TV) and loads of initiative, Raine persuaded The Production Department, a TV production company in Brisbane, to accept her as their first trainee. Raine has written scripts and helped research, write and edit pieces for several lifestyle programs. She has more recently presented pieces to camera. Raine’s employer sees her as intelligent, focused and motivated, and has offered her a part-time position after her traineeship. Raine balances her VET involvement with a demanding academic schedule and leadership duties as a House captain at All Hallows’ School.
Megan Hadfield, 18, is among the highest achieving vocational education students in Australia. Megan completed a Certificate III in Aged Care when she was in Year 10 at Torrens Valley Christian School, has gone on to study for a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing, and, when she graduates from Year 12 at the end of 2007, expects to be qualified for employment as an Enrolled Nurse. Megan also received a Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia Merit Award for Vocational Studies, indicating a perfect 20 score. She intends to go on to university to qualify as a Registered Nurse or Midwife.
Elaine Kerr, 17, is completing a Certificate III in Business Administration. Elaine’s goal is to work as a personal assistant and believes her school-based traineeship will provide a smooth transition into the field. She has been employed two days a week at Devonfield Enterprises, a disability services organisation, and is considering continuing her training beyond Year 12 at TAFE. The principal of St Brendan–Shaw College remarks on the employability skills Elaine has gained, such as planning and organising, problem-solving, prioritising and using technology. Elaine was a finalist for the VET Student of the Year at the TASTA Awards in 2006.
Ashlee Slaymaker, 18, is undertaking an Australian School-based Apprenticeship through Kalkee Aged Care, working towards a Certificate III in Aged Care Work. As a Personal Care Attendant trainee, Ashlee’s duties include showering and dressing residents, maintaining a safe environment and completing progress notes and care charts. Ashlee’s principal at Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College says she has the right personality for a career in caring and is determined and committed to achieving success. Ashlee is focused on acquiring the skills and knowledge that will allow her to operate her own aged care facility.
Claire Wells, 17, is one of a small minority of students to study for a Certificate IV—in her case, in Business Studies. Claire is considering a range of career paths, including business administration or studying commerce at university so she can work in the finance industry. She has completed varied work placements, including at a real estate agency and in a primary school front office. Claire’s principal at Santa Maria College describes her as having great initiative and enterprise, and as being committed, motivated and a strong communicator. Claire’s organisational skills have been important for her as a boarder, living away from her family.
Megan Storey, 17, is completing her Certificate III in Food Processing (Retail Baking–Combined) towards her Australian School-based Apprenticeship, which she began with local firm, Homestyle Bake, when in Year 9. Megan’s employer is delighted that she has repaid many times over their decision to take her on at such a young age and in a male-dominated trade. Megan’s principal at Centenary Heights State High School in Queensland expresses admiration for her total commitment and achievement over four years of skill-building. Megan’s achievements were recognised when, as a Year 10 student, she was awarded the highest prize for a school-based apprentice at the regional Downs Industry School Cooperative Awards.
Rebecca Dorman, 18, intends to embark on a career in childcare or early childhood teaching, and her Certificate III in Children’s Services has put her on the right track. She hopes to gain entry to a relevant university course next year with advanced standing from the Certificate III. Rebecca demonstrates a great aptitude for her chosen field. Her work placement supervisor describes her as enthusiastic, dedicated and highly competent in relevant skills. Rebecca’s principal at Gilgandra High School remarks on her integrity and well developed employability skills, including working with others, self-motivation and organisation and planning.
Simon Mulheran, 17, is undertaking an Australian School-based Apprenticeship with RAM Constructions in Brisbane to achieve his ambition of running his own building business. Certificate IIIs in Carpentry and Business, Certificate IIs in Information Technology and Workplace Practices, and three units of a Certificate III in Engineering, will help make that goal achievable. Simon runs two successful businesses that hone his carpentry, management and innovation skills. His principal at Redlands College notes Simon’s initiative, enterprise and creativity, and his employer is impressed with the range of his skills and appetite for learning. Simon also has aspirations to study architecture or drafting at tertiary level.
Lindsay Glaetzer, 18, emerged from the first year of an Australian School-based Apprenticeship with his Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician) with Adelaide business Morris Electrical while he continued his Year 12 studies at Torrens Valley Christian School. Lindsay’s employer praises his attitude, integrity and reliability and points to the maturity and leadership that saw Lindsay sometimes act as supervisor of peers and overseer of smaller jobs in the workplace. Lindsay intends to go to TAFE to do an Advanced Diploma in Engineering (Electrical). As soon as practicable after that he plans to start up his own business.
Ben Bresley, 18, is pursuing a career in event management via a Certificate III in Screen (Film Production) and Certificate III in Music Industry (Technical Production) at Sandringham College in Victoria. Ben believes the practical and varied structure of his VET courses has been a major factor in his success. Ben’s school principal notes he is calm under pressure, decisive and a lateral thinker—attributes that stand him in good stead for his chosen field. Ben has established his own company, Red Cordial Productions, and produced a trailer for the Bayside Film Festival and videos for LJ Hooker and non-profit organisation Very Special Kids.
Natasha Taylor, 17, is completing her Certificate III in Engineering Heavy Fabrication (Boilermaking) through an Australian School-based Apprenticeship while she studies at Mackay Christian College in Queensland. Natasha has won respect in a non-traditional trade for females by demonstrating the skills and attributes needed to succeed. Her employer, P&H Minepro Services, is impressed with her energy, initiative, leadership qualities and strong work ethic. Through their nomination, Natasha won a high commendation and an encouragement award from the Mackay Area Industry Network. Natasha intends to explore specialised welding options such as pressure pipe or dive welding, and develop her skills and career opportunities.
Brendan Hrycek, 18, has the qualifications and interests to equip him well in his chosen field of endeavour—the mining industry. Brendan has a Certificate III in Geoscience Field Practice, a Certificate I in Robotics and interests in palaeontology, astronomy and computing. Brendan’s capacity for innovation was demonstrated during his work placements in industry, which he sourced and organised himself. On a number of occasions, his suggestions for improvements in company operations and procedures were acted on. Brendan’s principal at Rostrevor College in South Australia commends his ability to integrate his skills across requirements in both the geosciences and the robotics industries.
James Fox, 17, is set to become a fully licensed swimming instructor and coach. He is excelling in all aspects of his vocational studies, which include a Certificate III in Community Recreation (Instruct) and Certificate III in Sport (Coaching). He uses his outstanding communication and motivation skills coaching junior swimmers to state competitions and adults at various levels. James’ principal at Pedare Christian College describes him as a highly motivated student, not satisfied with anything but perfection. As well as balancing his work and study commitments, James manages his own extensive swimming program, which helped him qualify for the Beijing Olympics selection trials.
Iva Ucich, 17, is completing a Certificate III in Transport and Distribution. Backed by other certificates in IT and Business through Lakeland Senior High School in WA, she is well positioned to pursue a career in the industry. With local firm FCD Container Logistics, Iva has experienced many facets of this traditionally male-dominated industry. She hopes to secure a full-time position with FCD and obtain her forklift and fumigation licences. Iva’s employer describes her as very capable, with an exceptional enthusiasm for every task. In 2006, Iva was a state winner of the Transport Industry Vocational Education and Training Excellence Award.
Sam Kirby, 17, intends to use his Certificate IV in Massage, not only to forge a career for himself, but also to serve the health needs of his Indigenous community. Sam has already volunteered in a Cape York massage therapy program, part of a wider program where local people learn how to run a health clinic. Sam’s principal at Echuca College in Victoria remarks on his quiet strength of character and fierce integrity, noting that he has been a powerful force for harmony in his school. Sam’s employer speaks of his resourcefulness, creativity and passion for achieving for himself and his community.
Corin Masatora, 17, has undertaken a Certificate III Music Industry (Technical Production), working towards a career in the music recording and performing industry. Corin aspires to owning his own recording studio, but his major goal is to write, record and perform his own songs. Corin uses music to bring people together, his school principal at Sevenoaks Senior College in WA says. Corin has demonstrated that ability through his contributions in a range of settings at college and in his community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Corin will complete his Certificate IV before broadening his knowledge of music theory at university, writing and performing all the while.