Impressive: Cohuna Secondary College Year 9 student Jak learns a new trade.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Bendigo TAFE’s Echuca campus hosted secondary students from across the region last week as part of its inaugural Future Options Day.
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More than 150 students from Echuca College, Cohuna Secondary College, Rushworth P-12 College and Rochester Secondary College were introduced to a variety of trades over a two-hour period.
They took part in live demonstrations, giving them an insight into what courses are available at the campus.
“This event gives students the opportunity to consider a VET subject for next year. Where the students can consider their interests, and allows them to make an informed decision on what their future studies may look like, regarding a VET subject,” Echuca campus lead Paul Stagg said.
“Of course, TAFE has many more courses than the obvious ones, such as childcare, hair and beauty, engineering, building, construction, painting and bricklaying.”
Informative: Year 10 Echuca College students Makayla and Cam are introduced to childcare as one possible career option.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Cohuna Secondary College Year 9 student Jak was learning bricklaying.
“I’ve enjoyed being part of the day’s training and introduction to the trades sector,” he said.
“My school has been helpful with what trade I’ll pursue in the future.”
Year 10 Echuca College student Makayla was exploring a career in childcare along with fellow student Cam.
“(Today) will give me an idea of what my future career will look like,” Makayla said.
“The day offers students an opportunity to consider different avenues other than university. I would recommend this to other students.”
Up for a challenge: Rochester Secondary College student Bailey learns the basics as a hairdresser.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Rochester Secondary College Year 9 student Charlie discussed a possible path in hairdressing.
“I’m considering a future as a hairdresser. The day offers students an alternative to university,” Charlie said.
The event coincided with National Skills Week, an important event on the vocational calendar according to Mr Stagg.
“National Skills Week is all about raising the profile of TAFE institutions and exposing VET as a viable option for future generations.”
“TAFE courses provide a pathway into universities via credits the students gained here. The training that students gain in their VET course allows them an entry point into a university of their choice.
“Talk with your parents, talk with careers advisors and basically get yourself in a position where you're more qualified to make that decision.
“Where that choice is based around your strengths, values and the aptitude so you're heading in the right direction.”
Mr Stagg said the Echuca Campus of Bendigo TAFE had been boosted by the new skills and job centre on site, thanks to the support of the Victorian Skills Authority.
“The VSA’s role is to support the broader community across different cohorts and ages. Assisting them make an informed choice around what pathway they will take in the future,” he said.
For further information, head to bendigotafe.edu.au/courses
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