Head Start

Head Start Program Information

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

http://www.vic.gov.au/headstart 

About Head Start video

Success Story: Deegan B Awarded Most Improved Apprentice by Employer 

Deegan B, Year 12 VCE VM student was awarded the Most Improved Apprentice at her employer’s Christmas party in December 2025. 

GT & JA Jones Engineering Pty Ltd have employed Deegan as a School-Based Apprentice (SBAT) while she completes her Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade. The company has shown strong commitment to her development, investing significant time and support into her training. As her skills and confidence have grown, she is now being transitioned into a broader range of tasks within the workplace. 

Her employers are extremely enthusiastic about her future with the business and believe she has the potential to develop into an excellent tradesperson. 

Congratulations on this achievement, Deegan. 

Laura Germano, 

Head Start Coordinator 

Congratulations to a New SBAT Student: Riley

At the end of last year, another Patterson River Secondary College student was signed-up into their School-based apprenticeships and has started 2026 hitting the ground running, having worked for their employer during the summer holidays. 

Congratulations to Riley M in Year 12 who signed up and commenced his Head Start school-based apprenticeships (SBAT) with employer Biceys Mechanical Workshop on 12 December and is now completing his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.   

The Head Start program will support Riley as he embarks on his SBAT journey commencing his qualification certificates, attending work with his employer and also working towards completing his VCE VM studies at school. Laura Germano, Head Start Coordinator and the Head Start team wish Riley all the best as he pursues his chosen career pathway. 

Laura Germano, 

Head Start Coordinator 

Congratulations to a New SBAT Student: Jacob

Congratulations to Jacob H in Year 11 who signed up and commenced his Head Start school-based apprenticeships (SBAT) with employer James Marc Electrical Contractors on 12 February and is now completing his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.   

The Head Start program will support Jacob as he embarks on his SBAT journey commencing this qualification certificate, attending work with his employer and also working towards completing his VCE VM studies at school. Laura Germano, Head Start Coordinator and the Head Start team wish Jacob all the best as he pursues his chosen career pathway. 

Laura Germano

Head Start Coordinator 

Congratulations to a New SBAT Student: Brody

Congratulations to Brody W in Year 11 who signed up and commenced his Head Start school-based apprenticeships (SBAT) with employer Donnellan Constructions on 20 February and is now completing his Certificate III in Carpentry.   

The Head Start program will support Brody as he embarks on his SBAT journey commencing this qualification certificate, attending work with his employer and also working towards completing his VCE VM studies at school. Laura Germano, Head Start Coordinator and the Head Start team wish Brody all the best as he pursues his chosen career pathway.

Laura Germano

Head Start Coordinator  

Trade & Tech Fit Expo 2026

The Trade & Tech Fit expo is returning in 2026. As you know, this is the largest hands-on expo for female and gender diverse students in Year 7-12 from all school sectors. It is now an award-winning event!! The Trade & Tech Fit has been awarded the 2024-25 National Government Event of the Year by Meetings & Events Australia.

What is Trade & Tech Fit?

Trade & Tech Fit is Victoria’s largest hands-on career expo. Open exclusively to female and gender diverse students, it showcases study and employment opportunities in high priority industries typically pitched to males. Students in Years 7-12 attend the Trade & Tech Fit under a school excursion model where schools bring groups of students to the expo. 

Where and when is Trade & Tech Fit? 

Date: Tuesday 2 June and Wednesday 3 June 2026 

Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: MCEC

 2026. 

Why students attend Trade & Tech Fit? 

• Explore a wide range of hands-on career experiences in trades and technology 
• Learn directly from industry experts and role models. 
• Discover opportunities in fields where women and gender diverse people are underrepresented. 
• Take part in workshops, demonstrations and career conversations
• Build confidence, skills and career awareness. 

For more information, refer to: www.vic.gov.au/trade-tech-fit.