Head Start Success Story

Jasmine Beki is one of our Year 12 VCAL students who entered the new Head Start program to secure herself an apprenticeship as an auto mechanic. She started out on her apprenticeship journey in January this year. The Head Start program has enabled Jasmine to complete Year 12 VCAL combined with the Certificate III in Automotive Technology at Kangan TAFE.  Jasmine successfully completed her VCAL program and is now working full time at Lakeside Kia, in Caroline Springs. She loves her job and the Kia team. 

Jasmine has been a car enthusiast for as long as she can remember and was elated to have discovered Head Start as a pathway for herself.  She has always had an interest in cars, and wanted to do something where she was around cars all time.

“I chose to do Head Start and not wait until year 12 was over because it was an opportunity that will only come once. Getting a job when you’re finished school is sometimes very hard and Head Start made my career so much more successful than what I thought it’ll be like."

She’s not challenged working in a male dominated industry.  “Working in an industry that is male dominated is the least of my worries. If I want to work in a male dominated workplace I have to be prepared to be there, at the end of the day that’s what I want to do. I do expect some people to say stuff or judge me, but it’ll never affect me.”

The Head Start program is an option for VUSC VCAL students with a passion for an apprenticeship career.  Students need to be highly organised and committed. The program enables students to combine their VCAL program with a part time apprenticeship, working 2 to 3 days a week and also undertaking a Certificate III at TAFE. 

When asked if Jasmine had any advice to students thinking about Head Start, she said “If I was to give anyone advice re Head Start I would tell them to do it and you won’t regret it; school helps you be prepared for work, but Head Start actually makes that happen and I personally think that is the most important part. You’ll constantly have support which is needed when taking big steps!”

Well done Jasmine, we wish you all the best in your career!