Guest speakers for our meeting 09 August were Carlene Paterson and Belinda McEvoy, Carlene is responsible for 16 schools in our Education Area and Belinda is responsible for the Whyalla Secondary College in Student Pathways and Development.
Student Pathways and Development has connections to industry and support networks. Carlene is responsible for 16 schools. The VET policy in this region is five to six years ahead of the rest of the state. The Program relates to the Chamber of Commerce but also needs the support of community resources, industry, and families. Students are empowered to develop their own career path and teachers are being educated to put careers into the curriculum. There are new resources for students, a year seven-12 pathway where skills are transferrable. Details are available at VET FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS. VET for School Students (education.sa.gov.au).
The success of the Program is measured by the rate of student SACE completions, increased numbers of young people entering apprenticeships and the provision of an integral source of young, skilled workers that meet the needs of industry.
Subjects necessary to pass SACE are English, Maths, and Science as relevant to industry. Certificates, for example, in aged care, childcare and Apprenticeships. There is entrepreneurial learning involving problem solving and collaboration. Student Pathways and Development looks for “ticket to work” employers-safe employers for students with disability. Networking is involved. Ticket to Work About Us Video - YouTube
The Technical College is coming to Port Augusta- students can access work experience. RTOs come in and teach students. Rotarian Lesley supervises some of the students in the Program and several Rotarians commended it.
Rotarian Lesley Hartup thanking Carlene and Belinda for their presentation.