HEAD START

HEAD START at Cranbourne Secondary College is an initiative from the Victorian State Government to increase the number of students undertaking high-quality apprenticeships and traineeships. The students will complete their senior secondary studies through flexible arrangements. Most importantly, students are provided with mentoring and support from a Head Start Coordinator.

HEAD START Apprenticeships and Traineeships focus on:

• a high-quality pathway with more time spent on the job ensuring students complete their Senior Certificate alongside their apprenticeship/traineeship journey
• nationally-recognised qualifications in high-demand industries with strong employment pathways
• providing ongoing support to students and employers through HEAD START staff

What are the benefits?

• students can spend a significant amount of time on-the-job and in training whilst still completing their senior secondary qualification
• employers can train and mentor young apprentices and trainees who are ready for work, in line with their particular business culture and needs
• students develop higher levels of literacy, numeracy and employability skills
• students can become an apprentice or trainee sooner
• students will undertake high-quality apprenticeships or traineeships with genuine employers
• dedicated support provided to employers
• HEAD START provides ongoing, tailored support to students whilst undertaking a Certificate III apprenticeship or traineeship

HEAD START supports students undertaking a Certificate III pathway program and, from 2023, some Certificate II programs. This means that students will spend less time at school, more time at work, undertake a Certificate III qualification and also aim to complete a VCE or VCAL.

This process takes a great deal of time and commitment. Looking at the diagram below you can see that there are many steps to get a young person started in a career.

We are looking for students who

• have good attendance
• are working on building their learning
• are ready for the demands of balancing multiple program demands
• and most importantly a really good understanding of the industry and the commitment to a career.