Senior VCAL Profile

Campbell Woods – Carpenter

The aim of any Senior Year 12 VCAL student is to display the traits that would make them an attractive prospect for any employer. These traits include demonstrating initiative, punctuality, a willingness to work hard, the ability to work without direction and a desire to learn by asking questions. Campbell Woods, a Year 12 Senior VCAL student, certainly has these qualities and has demonstrated a maturity rarely seen in a VCAL student.

Campbell’s initial desire was to gain experience as a sparky and he sourced work placement with an electrician, Paul. When the restrictions of Stage Three were imposed, Campbell’s work placement was put on hold. Not wanting to sit at home doing nothing Campbell approached his uncle Scott Woods, co-owner of Footlink Custom Orthotics in Keysborough, for work.

At the time Footlink was undergoing a shift in its manufacturing focus. The lockdown restrictions had cut the factory’s workload by 40% and Scott saw the need for producing filtered face masks. Over a five week period Campbell was lucky enough to experience, and be part of, the factory’s restructuring which saw the manufacture of high grade face masks as well as keeping up the supply of orthotics.

Sam has assisted with the cutting and grinding of the materials used in the manufacture of orthotics and has used electronic jigs and machinery to create the much sought after products. Despite the downside of being covered in plastic filings, Campbell has demonstrated initiative, a desire to learn on the job and the ability to mix and work with the ever growing workforce at Footlink.

Mazenod College would like to thank all the employees of Footlink Custom Orthotics who are providing Campbell with the skills, advice and guidance that is required by those working within the manufacturing sector. In particular we would like to thank the owner, Scott, for the mentoring and support that Campbell has received. Campbell has discovered that since his first placement in the electrical area, his real love is that of working with his hands and Campbell is now pursuing work in building and construction as a carpenter. We wish Campbell all the best for his future and for his final year in VCAL.

If you would have a position as an apprenticeship carpenter, and would love to give a hardworking, enthusiastic young man a chance, please contact Mr Leigh Harris, Coordinator of VET and VCAL, on 8561 1129 or lharris@mazenod.vic.edu.au)