VET Electrotechnology

Macleod College VET Electrotechnology Students Visit the North East Link Project

As part of their VET Electrotechnology program, Macleod College students had the unique opportunity to visit the North East Link construction sites at Watsonia and Lower Plenty on Wednesday 18th June (1st Year Students) and Thursday 19th June (2nd Year Students).

The purpose of the site visits was to give students a firsthand insight into one of Victoria’s most significant infrastructure projects, with a focus on the current works, construction methods, and what lies ahead for the remainder of 2025.

At the Watsonia site, students toured the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) launch box and were provided with a detailed overview of recent activities. They learned about the massive excavation works, the critical safety and engineering practices in place, and the future tunnelling operations planned as the project progresses.

The Lower Plenty Road (LPR) site tour offered a different perspective, giving students the chance to see how civil works are being managed in a complex suburban environment. Project staff explained the sequencing of works, changes in traffic flow, and upcoming bridge and road infrastructure developments.

The tours were both educational and inspiring, offering students real-world context for their Electrotechnology studies, while highlighting the important role of trades and engineering in shaping Victoria’s transport future.

We thank the North East Link Program team for their time and generosity in hosting our students and providing a valuable learning experience.

Industry Experts Inspire Future Electricians at Macleod College

On Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June 2025, Macleod College had the privilege of welcoming three experienced professionals from Metro Trains — Tonina Cassar, Glenn Pitcher, and Rodney Duncan — to share their expertise with our VET Electrotechnology students.

The visit provided both first- and second-year students with an invaluable real-world perspective on life as an electrician and what to expect when beginning an apprenticeship.

Rodney Duncan spoke with honesty and passion about the realities of the trade, highlighting not just the technical skills required, but also the essential life skills needed to succeed in the workplace. His insights into professional conduct, responsibility, and adapting to the demands of full-time work resonated strongly with our students.

Tonina Cassar and Glenn Pitcher delivered a highly engaging and informative presentation about the electrical trade. They shared essential industry knowledge, highlighting the difference between single-phase supply used in typical homes and three-phase systems commonly found in commercial and industrial environments. Students also participated in a hands-on activity where they learned to strip wires and construct a T-joint, reinforcing their practical skills.

Rod, Tonina, and Glenn also shared their career journeys, including a range of exciting projects they’ve worked on across both Metro (rail) and the manufacturing sector (Toyota). Their ability to break down complex concepts in a relatable way gave students a much clearer understanding of important topics such as occupational licensing, OH&S, and industry organisations. For our second-year students, Tonina and Glenn took time to sit with each learner individually, discussing their future goals and offering guidance on career planning and job readiness.

Tonina's story as a successful female electrician in a male-dominated industry was particularly inspiring, especially for the sole female student in our class, demonstrating the inclusive and evolving nature of the electrical trade.

As a VET and Technology teacher, I am incredibly grateful to Tonina, Glenn, and Rodney for volunteering their time and energy to mentor our students. Their involvement brought our curriculum to life and helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience.

Macleod College sincerely appreciates the ongoing support from Metro Trains in providing our students with valuable, real-world insights into the electrical trade.