Vocation Education

and Training

Early this term, our Year 11 students completed their first work placement, which for many is the first of two required for each VET course they study. Each placement week contributes 35 hours toward their course requirements. Manufacturing and Engineering students complete 35 hours across the two-year course, while those studying Construction and Business Services are required to complete 70 hours over the same period. As many of our VET students are enrolled in more than one course, several students have already undertaken two or more weeks of placement this term. Below are some of their placement highlights.

Some highlights:

I had many positive highlights during my time at Thomas Bros. Although it wasn’t my first choice, the experience completely changed my perspective by the end of the week. Everyone was incredibly kind and supportive, guiding me with patience at every step. I learnt how to navigate their systems for invoicing, data and payments, and I became much more confident in my skills.

Emma Wiscombe - Business Services placement at Thomas Bros

I learnt that everything takes time, and that being precise with the little things is essential otherwise it can throw the whole job off at the end. Completing each task required patience and a careful, steady approach.

Tom Wichman - Manufacturing and Engineering placement at Blake Ryan Tiling 

One of the biggest highlights of my placement was being offered an apprenticeship for 2026 as a result of my time there. Learning real-world skills, such as how hot and cold water systems are made and how they operate, was also a major highlight and an invaluable learning experience.

Hunter Behnke - Manufacturing and Engineering placement at Jack Moorby Plumbing

A highlight for me was learning why things are done a certain way for example, why sand is placed under water tanks. These are the kinds of practical skills and insights I would only gain through this job.

Ashton Roberts - Construction placement at Level Plumbing

Some challenges:

A big challenge for me was walking into a new workplace I had never been to and not knowing anything about the business - how they operate or why they do things the way they do. However, I quickly learnt a lot about their processes, and it turned into a really positive and valuable experience.

Will Zeogar - Business Services placement at Wagga Motors

Some of the challenges I faced included working for a large international company and learning how to read parts and photos to correctly prepare orders for machine servicing. Many of the equipment names were different from what I expected, and I also had to use Imperial measurements instead of Metric, which took some getting used to.

Charlie Buist - Manufacturing and Engineering placement at Westrac

Many of the students who undertook a Construction or Manufacturing and Engineering placement mentioned that they found it challenging to get up early, work longer hours than a typical school day, and adapt to unfamiliar working conditions.

Advice for future VET students:

Reach out to a range of different businesses at the same time so you can secure a placement that is most suitable and desirable for you.

Amber Ford - Business Services placement at Wagga Glass and Aluminium

I’d recommend getting involved because it’s a great experience and provides valuable insight into the industry.

Hunter Halden - Construction placement at Hugh McGrath Constructions

Don’t just stand around or be on your phone, stay active, look for tasks to do, ask what else you can help with, and make the most of the learning experience.

Hunter Fitzgerald - Manufacturing and Engineering placement at Level Plumbing

Practical, real-world skills:

Some of the skills and real-world learning I will take away from this experience include stronger communication skills, greater confidence in emailing and sharing important information, and a clearer understanding of how to be precise and effective in my communication.

Georgia Lovekin - Business Services placement at Kitson Property

You need strength and endurance to do the work all day, as well as the right tools and a positive attitude towards the job.

Will Higginson - Manufacturing and Engineering placement at J and J Building

The entire VET team would like to thank COMPACT for organising our placements, as well as the many local businesses that supported us and provided our students with valuable hands-on, real-world learning opportunities. Many of our students were offered some form of employment following their placement. We also extend our congratulations to all students who secured apprenticeships through these experiences and wish them every success in their future careers.

Mr Andrew Geurtsen | VET KLA Leader