General News
30 December, 2023
Partners support youth pathways across region
EACH year, the North Central LLEN partners with Loddon Shire schools and the North Central Trade Training Centre to support students wishing to undertake vocational education and training (VET) as part of their secondary school studies. In 2023...
EACH year, the North Central LLEN partners with Loddon Shire schools and the North Central Trade Training Centre to support students wishing to undertake vocational education and training (VET) as part of their secondary school studies.
In 2023, approximately 60 students from Boort District School, East Loddon P-12 School, Pyramid Hill College and Wedderburn College completed vocational studies at the North Central Trade Training Centre.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 undertook Certificate II or Certificate III studies in one of the 12 subject areas offered including agriculture, allied health, animal care, automotive, beauty services, building and construction, community services, engineering studies, hospitality, music operations, salon assistant and sport and recreation.
There are many benefits to students undertaking vocational studies – in some cases it can contribute towards their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score which can improve access to further education, pathways to employment, or further VET education and training.
North Central LLEN CEO Jane Hosking says no two individuals are the same, and their paths shouldn’t be either.
“Gone are the days when a degree was the only ticket to success - now we’re seeing students explore vocational training, apprenticeships, and online courses—options that let them shape their own unique journey based on strengths and aspirations,” she said.
“Employers highly value VET because it builds entry-level skills in different industry areas and provides a practical introduction into workplace requirements, therefore enhancing employability skills,” she said.
A number of this year’s VET students are now going on to pursue traineeships or apprenticeships in their chosen area of vocational study.
“We sincerely thank the many employers from across the region who have supported vocational education pathways this year through the provision of work experience opportunities, structured workplace learning placements, and/or school-based apprenticeships,” said Jane.