Year 9 VET Taster Day

As a prelude to the Pathways Information Evening all year 9 students spent a full morning gaining an insight into vocational courses offered as part of the school curriculum.  Each student had selected two courses to investigate at HDSC and two for the SW TAFE campus.  This experience involved hands-on activities that were most engaging and gave a real feel for what the course covered and hence would assist with course selection. Twelve vocational areas were offered, a sample of some are as follows.

In VET Salon Assistant students did some braiding and stroke techniques, VET Building attempted housing joints and VET Business participants had an online shopping task. In Early Childhood the students did many creative activities with explanations of how this assisted young children’s skill level and development.  Similarly in VET Health Assistant students were shown many of the devices used in caring for the elderly and hospital patients. VET Automotive were using a hoist and changing tyres while Hospitality made rice rolls, which they boxed up to enjoy later.

Before embarking on each of these wonderful VET experiences students were given information on the course modules, attendance requirements, uniforms and kits, competency-based learning and the assessment process culminating in the potential career and job options the course could lead to.  A more general talk at the end of the sessions gave a good overview of Vocational Education pathways and areas to consider with career options and future choices.

The students were well behaved and clearly enjoyed the day. Vocational Education is available to Year 10 and VCE students and all students doing the VCE Vocational Major must do it as part of the course.

Mrs Anne Gough

VET/VCE VM Administrator