Student Voice
Exploring pathways beyond school: Daniel and Pyper's Success Stories
As they enter their final year at Pakenham Secondary College, Year 12 students Daniel Gater and Pyper are looking ahead to exciting futures through pathways that have been shaped by their experiences in VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Daniel's sporting future takes shape
Daniel has recently been selected as one of just 160 students across Australia to undertake the Dual Diploma of Sport and Diploma of Leadership and Management through the Richmond Institute, delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology.
Daniel first became aware of the opportunity through his Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation, which he is currently completing through our VET Mini Cluster at Officer Secondary College. After attending an excursion to the Richmond Institute, he was inspired to apply for the program and was thrilled to be accepted.
With a passion for sport, particularly basketball and lately AFL, Daniel is looking forward to "broadening social circles and making connections" as well as exploring career opportunities within the sporting sector. The course is based at the Richmond Institute's facilities near Richmond Station, located in the building where Richmond Football Club players train.
The one-year program begins in January and follows a flexible timetable, allowing students to choose between two attendance patterns each week. This flexibility gives participants the opportunity to undertake part-time work or industry placements alongside their studies. The Richmond Institute also assists students in securing work placements and exploring potential career pathways.
Daniel has thoroughly enjoyed his VET studies over the past two years, describing the class as full of like-minded students who share common interests. "It's been easy to make friends and easy to ask for help," Daniel said.
He also appreciates the convenience of completing his course locally through the VET Mini Cluster and speaks highly of his teacher and the support he has received throughout the program.
While Daniel is still exploring exactly where his future may lead, he is excited about the opportunities the Dual Diploma will provide and is looking forward to seeing where the experience takes him.
Pyper's pathway to teaching
Pyper's journey demonstrates the flexibility and opportunities that vocational pathways
can provide.
After beginning a Certificate II in Community Services in Year 11, Pyper realised that the course was not the right fit for her career goals. Rather than feeling locked into a single pathway, she was able to transition into a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2025 and will finish next year.
Through this experience, Pyper discovered her passion for education and has now set her sights on becoming a Primary School Teacher.
Following school, she plans to complete a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Chisholm TAFE in 2028 before progressing to a four-year university degree in Primary Education. Thanks to the studies she has already completed, many of her Certificate III units will be recognised through credit transfer, meaning she will not need to repeat them during her diploma studies.
Pyper values the flexibility her pathway has provided, giving her the chance to move into Early Childhood from Community Services. "It's helped me work out what I want to do and given me more options for the future," she explained.
Upon completing her studies, Pyper will have the opportunity to work in either an early childhood setting or a primary school, providing a range of rewarding career possibilities.
The benefits of VCE VM and VET
Both Daniel and Pyper have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences through the VCE Vocational Major pathway. They appreciate the practical nature of their studies, the opportunity to pursue areas of personal interest and the ability to focus on future careers without the pressure of achieving an ATAR.
Their stories highlight the many pathways available to students and show how VET and VCE VM help prepare young people for life beyond school.
We congratulate Daniel and Pyper on their achievements and wish them every success as they continue pursuing their chosen pathways.