eyes on VET

Welcome to another edition of Eyes on VET! 

At 3 pm on Friday 1 May, VET Connect applications closed. A whopping 172 application packages were collected, and 102 applications were submitted. These applications will now be processed to see who met all the criteria to gain an interview, which is the next stage of the application process. Interviews will start on Wednesday, 21 May. All students invited to attend an interview will receive a letter at school during Period 5 on Monday. Letters of Offer will be delivered to successful students on Wednesday, 4 June. Well done to all the students who submitted their applications by the due date. I look forward to interviewing all the prospective VET Connect students for 2026!

Year 11 and 12 VET Connect and P2C students who are up to date with all their work both at school and at external courses will not be required to attend any catch-up classes during the exam-free period in Weeks 5 and 6 and can enjoy a few extra days off. However, all students MUST still attend their workplace and/or external course on Thursday and Friday. Attendance will be carefully tracked on these days. I look forward to seeing all students back at school in Week 7, refreshed and ready to complete the last 4 weeks of Term 2. 

Spotlight on the Army Experience Day at Irwin Barracks

On the 30th of April, five enthusiastic Year 10 boys took part in an educational and inspiring excursion to the Irwin Barracks Army Experience. The day offered students a unique opportunity to explore life in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), gaining a deeper understanding of both the recruitment process and the diverse range of career opportunities available.

Hosted at the Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta, the experience was designed to provide a hands-on introduction to military life. Students were guided through the application and training pathways required to join the ADF, including information on both full-time and part-time roles. They were also given insight into the different branches of service, such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

A key highlight of the day was a guided tour of the Barracks, where students had the chance to meet and speak with current servicemen and servicewomen. These interactions allowed the students to hear real-life stories and experiences, helping them to understand the commitment, challenges, and rewards of serving in the Defence Force.

The students came away from the excursion with a newfound appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, and dedication involved in a military career. For many, the visit was not only educational but also inspiring, sparking interest in pursuing Defence Force pathways after school.

Overall, the Irwin Barracks Army Experience was a rewarding and enjoyable day, offering valuable career insights and an unforgettable look into one of Australia’s most respected institutions.

Huge thanks to Kim Beurs (Year 12 Coordinator and Certificate III in Engineering Technical Trainer) for supporting the students on this career taster.

Snapshots around the workplace… 

…to all Year 10 students who submitted VET Connect applications 

…to the Year 9 to 11 students who attended a variety of Career Tasters at Health Science Hub on 5 and 6 May. Tasters included Allied Health, Lab and Forensics, Fitness, Sport and Nutrition, Nursing and Medic, and Animal Science.

… to Ava Klass (Year 11 VET Connect) on being acknowledged by her Workplace Learning employer, Riverton Primary School, with the following comment, “Ava is an outstanding student who has demonstrated excellent skills and understanding of her role in the school and is an asset in the classroom”. Well done, Ava!

… to Jet Tame (Year 12 VET Connect) on receiving a wonderful review from his Workplace Learning employer, Willetton Basketball Association, “It has been a pleasure having Het choose our association for his work placement. Jet has been punctual in attendance and has accepted and fulfilled all tasks presented to him. His work ethic and his detail to attention has been exceptional.” Well done, Jet!

… to Karla Sulenta (Year 12 VET Connect) on completing a Diploma of Business at FEC.

…to the Year 10 students who took part in the Army Experience Day at Irwin Barracks – Gabriel Matrozis, Andy McNabb, Banjo Gurry, Brodie Dunstan and Nehal Nayak.

Please keep your eyes on VET in the next Parent Update. 

Melinda Kennington, VET Manager