Student Profiles
Keira
Keira’s Home school: Mernda Central College
Keira’s Host school: Outer Northern Trade Training Centre
My name is Keira and I am a VCE VM student at Mernda Central College. I’m currently studying two first year VET courses which are the Certificate II in Electrotechnology and the Certificate II in Plumbing at the Outer Northern Trade Training Centre.
I grew up on a farm and have always enjoyed working outdoors and working with my hands. Living on a farm meant I was always learning new skills as I helped maintain/build the property. Jobs around the farm included fixing fences, cleaning and maintaining a septic tank.
I love the practical sessions of my VET programs. In these sessions I can apply what I have learnt in the theory classes. My VET
classes require me to think outside the box and find solutions to problems. I’ve already learnt how to wire various switches, strip cables and how to work with sheet metal to create a down pipe and toolbox. My VET teachers have been very supportive.
As part of my VCE VM program, I also work with a plumber one day per week. This has given me a chance to apply what I’ve learnt in my VET Plumbing classes but has also provided an opportunity to learn other practical skills that you can only learn in the workplace.
My VCE VM program and VET studies complement each other well. At school I’m learning the numeracy and literacy skills that I will need as a tradesperson. I’m also studying VCE Industry and Enterprise which teaches me valuable business skills.
My career aspirations are to complete an apprenticeship in either electrotechnology or plumbing and work towards establishing my own business.
I encourage more females to pursue their interest in a trade through VET while at school.
Jack
Jack’s Home and Host school: Northern College of Arts and Technology
I’m a Year 11 VCE VM student at Northern College of Arts and Technology (NCAT). As part of my VCE VM studies I’m enrolled in a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) and a Certificate II in Furniture Marking. I’m also studying VCE General Maths as carpenters and furniture makers rely heavily on mathematics. I also wanted to challenge myself more at school.
My interest in carpentry and furniture making developed because I had the opportunity to work with a qualified carpenter to assist with shopfitting at my mum’s store. I love working with timber and building things. This led to me taking over my dad’s shed, so I have space for woodworking outside of school.
I think the best thing about VET at NCAT are the teachers. You are treated with respect and as a young adult. The classroom is like a workplace, and you feel very supported. This makes me feel included and motivates me to work harder.
Although I’m only in my first year of both VET courses I have learnt many skills. This includes things like wall framing, plumbing-up windows, chiseling, and the use of hand and power tools. We have also learnt about Australian standards for building.
VET is teaching me the skills and knowledge to be the best person I can be. I’m learning many transferable skills such as teamwork, confidence, communication skills, time management and organisation.
My dream is to own my own construction business like my uncle once did. I would love to plan and build domestic buildings because you can have a close-knit team that works really well together. But at the end of the day, as long as I’m able to work with timber and build things I will be happy because I love carpentry.
I think everyone needs to know that VET is a great opportunity to learn about yourself
and about a different career path, one that you may not have thought about before. If it doesn’t work out, you still finish having learnt many transferable skills.
Leila
Leila’s Home school: Thornbury High School
Leila’s Host school: Mill Park Secondary College
My name is Leila and I graduated from Thornbury High School in 2022. I started VET Dance in 2021 at Mill Park Secondary College completing first and second year with a study score of 46 as well as being asked to perform at the Top Class Dance recital in March 2023.
Being a dancer for over ten years, I was excited when I found out I could incorporate my lifelong passion with my VCE studies. I enjoyed being able to learn the theory side of dance but most importantly continue to develop my physical skills, where I got to perform with my fellow classmates on stage
multiple times as well as getting a deeper understanding of how the dance industry works.
We undertook several mock auditions which replicate the process of being selected for jobs and I believe, without the knowledge and experience I received at VET Dance, I wouldn’t have been able to attend real-life auditions feeling prepared and ready.
The knowledge I gained from this course led to me receiving places in companies and pre-professional programs such as Scimm. Dance Company, a contemporary dance company that I commenced in 2023.
One of my biggest achievements after completing VET Dance was being offered a place in the Jazz and Contemporary Trainee Program at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City after an audition with 130 dancers from around the state.
I will commence this program in January 2024.
I am also currently studying a Bachelor of Business at RMIT University. I am hoping to incorporate dancing and business when I graduate by working in the arts sector or potentially starting my own dancewear brand, dance rehabilitation centre or my own company.
Thornbury High School was very supportive of me and my passion by allowing me to balance out my studies to pursue my dreams of being an artist.
Inspiring Stories and Other Advice for VET Students
VCE VET like a boss: Kiralee’s hair and beauty career – A VCE VET course in Hair and Beauty was the beginning of Kiralee’s journey towards owning and running her own business.
Achieving is believing – Starting VCE and VET can be an intimidating prospect, but there’s no need to be daunted. It opens up many career pathways for students, and provides the skills needed for their future.
Students answer your VET questions – Students from across Victoria sat down to answer all the burning questions about what it’s like to include a vocational education and training (VET) program in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
Kate harvests the seeds of success through VET and a Victorian Training Award – Victorian Training Award winner Kate Cross always knew she wanted to be a farmer. She began studying to achieve her goal as soon as she could through a VET course.