Head Start

SBAT of the Year: Aaron R

The Head Start Program supports students completing a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) while at school and then with the transition from school into the workforce. Students who are undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship must manage their time between: completing school (VCE VM), completing a Certificate III course, working and often outside commitments, such as sport and part-time work.

The winner of this award will receive a trophy, a $50 gift card aligned to their chosen employment and their name on the Head Start SBAT of the Year honour board on display in the school's front office.

The winner of the 2025 Head Start SBAT of the Year Award goes to: Aaron R

It is my honour and privilege to celebrate the outstanding achievements of a remarkable student from the Patterson River Secondary College school community. Head Start recognises the success of Aaron who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance and hard work

as part of his SBAT journey.

Aaron commenced his traineeship in May 2024 when in Year 11 with Concept Design Construct, studying a Certificate III in Carpentry at TAFE. He has done this alongside successfully completing his VCE VM Certificate at school.

Balancing the demands of academic studies with a hands-on apprenticeship is no small feat. It takes discipline, focus and a commitment to learning, both in the classroom and in the workplace. Aaron has risen to that challenge with determination, embodying the qualities of an outstanding student, upholding the school wide positive behaviours in all aspects of his school and work life and he is an emerging professional. Aaron is, however, a quiet achiever who will, no doubt, be surprised by receiving this award. Aaron has done everything that school, TAFE, his employer and the Head Start team have asked him to do with a mature attitude and a clear and calm demeanour.

Over the past two years, Aaron has not only developed valuable skills in the carpentry industry, but he has also shown an impressive ability to collaborate, solve problems and adapt to the real world demands of the workplace. These are skills that will undoubtedly serve Aaron well in the future.

Aaron’s employer, Matt Curd from Concept Design Construct has stated that, “watching Aaron grow over the past year has been incredible. He has shown up with the right attitude, put in the hard work and is always looking to learn. This award is well deserved and just the beginning for him.”

Congratulations Aaron. The Head Start term are extremely proud of your achievements and we have no doubt that this is only the beginning of your success. We wish you all the best.

Laura Germano 

Head Start Coordinator

Congratulations to new SBAT Students.

Congratulations to Jordy D in Year 11 who signed up and commenced his Head Start school-based apprenticeship (SBAT) with employer Jones Airconditioning & Refrigeration on Friday, 21st November and is now completing his Certificate III in Airconditioning and Refrigeration.   

Also, congratulations to Jaxon C in Year 12 who signed up and commenced his Head Start school-based apprenticeships (SBAT) with employer Best Stairs on Wednesday, 19th November and is now completing his Certificate III in Carpentry. 

The Head Start program will support Jordy and Jaxon as they embark on their SBAT journeys commencing their qualification certificates, attending work with their employers and also working towards completing their VCE VM studies at school. Laura Germano, Head Start Coordinator, and the Head Start team wish Jordy and Jaxon all the best as they pursue their chosen career pathways. 

Laura Germano 

Head Start Coordinator

Head Start Information

For further information about the Head Start program, please see the website and short video.