Senior Secondary

VCAL Industry excursion 

On Tuesday 6 June the VCAL class set out to explore a number of different industries in order to think about future jobs and careers. The year is going by extremely fast, and in only a few months the Year 12s will be finished their formal schooling as they know it. The next step in life will look different for all of the students, so we wanted to give them a taste of a few different industries all in one day. 

First we set out to 'Bean Around Town' which is located in Bayswater. We had a tour around the warehouse and learnt about working in wholesale, and the elements of business that run from this operation. Chris, who owns the company, sat down with the students and shared his story of how he came to own a successful business, and gave many helpful pieces of advice about employability skills. 

Next we went to an organisation called WCIG which operates all over Victoria, and have an office in Wantirna South. They help upskilling people to get into work, and especially focused on aged and disability care. We learnt about the industry and how it is growing, and the way that different organisations can support young people after they have left school. The presenters also shared their stories about how their careers unfolded in surprising ways and how there are lots of opportunities for growing and changing if you are open to this. 

Lastly we visited 'Habitat for Humanity' in Kilsyth, where we were lucky to listen to the current volunteer coordinator Felicity Smith, an ex-MECS student! She shared with us the great aspects of volunteering and the way students can be involved with an NGO. We also got the chance to do a bit of Op-Shopping in their 'Re-Store' which we highly recommend visiting. 

Overall it was a great experience to speak to many different people with many different skills. We all have ways to contribute in the world - the big question for our young people is, how can we discover the ways in which we can serve God and others using our unique gifts and talents?

Nicky Joiner

VCAL Coordinator