Senior School
& Careers News
Dandenong High School
VET Hospitality Excursion to William Angliss Institute
On Wednesday 25 March, our VET Hospitality students attended an exciting and valuable excursion to the William Angliss Institute in Melbourne. This visit gave students a real-world experience of the hospitality industry and helped them build skills for future study and work.
During the day, students took part in an Espresso Coffee Making Workshop, where they learned how to make coffee using professional machines. Students practised important skills such as measuring ingredients, using equipment safely, and working carefully to produce quality drinks. Many students showed confidence and focus while learning something new.
Students also enjoyed a Restaurant Dining Experience, where they learned about how a professional restaurant operates. They experienced table service, observed food presentation, and practised appropriate behaviour in a formal dining setting. This helped students understand what is expected when working in or visiting a restaurant.
Throughout the excursion, our students demonstrated:
Respectful and responsible behaviour
A positive attitude towards learning
Willingness to try new experiences
Pride in representing our school
We are very proud of how our students conducted themselves on the day. Experiences like this help students build confidence, develop practical skills, and explore pathways into the hospitality industry.
We thank the staff at William Angliss Institute for providing such a welcoming and educational experience for our students.
Scott Mullen
VET Hospitality Teacher
ABCN - Find Your Purpose
A small group of Year 10 and 11 students recently took part in an inspiring excursion to the Optus Towers in Melbourne, where they spent the day exploring one of life’s big questions: What is my purpose?
The experience focused on helping students better understand themselves, their values, and the kind of future they want to create. Through an interactive workshop and guided reflection activities, students explored what matters most to them and how their strengths and interests can shape meaningful pathways beyond school.
A highlight of the day was working alongside mentors from a range of industries who generously shared their personal journeys, career insights, and life lessons. These conversations helped students see that there are many different routes to success and fulfillment.
Students were encouraged to think big as they mapped out their “dream life,” considering not just careers, but lifestyle, impact, and personal goals. The day provided valuable perspective, practical tools, and plenty of motivation for the journey ahead.
Experiences like this empower our students to make confident, purposeful decisions about their future.
Year 12 Careers Conversations
This term, our Careers Team has been meeting one-on-one with every Year 12 student as part of our Career Conversations program. These personalised meetings are designed to ensure each student feels supported, informed, and confident as they plan their pathway beyond school.
The conversations provide an important opportunity for students to connect directly with the Careers Team and talk through their current plans, questions, and aspirations. Whether students already have a clear direction or are still exploring options, these sessions create a supportive space to reflect on goals and consider next steps.
In these conversations, students have been learning about upcoming career events, information sessions, expos, and workshops that can help guide their decision-making. These opportunities are carefully selected to give students meaningful insight into study pathways, training options, employment opportunities, and industry experiences.
Just as importantly, the conversations allow students to share what they’re currently thinking about pursuing after Year 12. Understanding each student’s interests and intentions helps the Careers Team provide tailored guidance and practical support.
Students are also introduced to helpful platforms, tools, and resources that make researching courses, careers, and applications easier and more manageable.
We encourage all Year 12 students to make the most of this valuable opportunity as they prepare for life beyond school.
Spotlight on VET:Electrotechnology VETiS Program Sparks Student Interest
This year, Dandenong High School proudly launched its inaugural VET in Schools (VETiS) Certificate II in Electrotechnology program, with a group of 16 enthusiastic Year 11 students taking part. The program, delivered in partnership with Apprenticeships Group Australia (AGA), is already proving to be a valuable and engaging learning opportunity for students considering future pathways in the electrical and broader trades industries.
VET in Schools programs offer a wealth of advantages for students by combining classroom learning with practical, industry-focused experiences. Through the Certificate II in Electrotechnology, students are developing important employability skills while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. These experiences not only broaden students’ career pathways but also strengthen their prospects when seeking apprenticeships, providing them with highly regarded transferable skills developed through hands-on learning.
Delivering the program on-site at Dandenong High School has also significantly increased access to this highly sought-after qualification. Being able to learn in a familiar and supportive environment allows students to build confidence while exploring a potential career in the electrical industry.
Students have reported that they are thoroughly enjoying the course so far, describing the classes as both engaging and rewarding. The group has formed a strong bond and developed a great deal of respect for their trainer, Dev, from AGA, whose industry experience brings real-world insights into the classroom. Unsurprisingly, the practical sessions have quickly become a highlight, giving students the opportunity to apply their learning in a hands-on way.
Programs like this demonstrate how VETiS prepares students for success beyond school. By connecting learning with real industry skills, students become valuable future contributors to the workforce while also supporting the ongoing development of the community.
With such a positive start to its first year, the Electrotechnology program is already proving to be a powerful pathway for students interested in exploring careers in the electrical and trades sectors.
