Pathways

GITTC Trade Expo

On Wednesday 26 May, the Geelong Industry Trade Centre (GITTC) hosted a Trade Expo for the range of students training in the fields of Hospitality, Building and Construction, Engineering, Automotive and Hair and Beauty.  The GITTC currently hosts over 900 students per week in secondary school classes, VET in Schools, tertiary subjects and short-term courses offered through RTOs.  This was the first event in a three-phase approach to ensuring that our students learn about the vocational training available for students, engage in training programs and find pathways into industry. 

PHASE ONE was conducted as part of the Victorian Education Week year’s theme of “Building Connections”. On Wednesday 26 May the GITTC celebrated its existing partnerships and pathways with industry, whilst endeavouring to build new connections for students and staff from Northern Bay College and the vast number of other patrons of the Centre.  We hosted a range of sessions with tertiary providers, registered training organisations, industry representatives, employers and suppliers in order to assist students to build their understanding and networks.  Students, staff and parents participate throughout the afternoon, listening to industry, observing the students in the practical elements of their courses and learning about the rich vocational pathways the GITTC fosters.   On the day, we had many NBC Student Ambassadors from Years 5/6 who were there to gather photos and write reports about the day.  The Ambassadors will share their experience with their classmates in the lead up to the Phase Three event. 

PHASE TWO sees the GITTC team planning to host an employer’s forum. Anticipated to run in August/September 2021, this will involve a broader range of local industry 

representatives and employers who are seeking to recruit and support future apprenticeships, traineeships or work-placement in 2021-22.  We are looking at an August/September date at this point.  Peak industry bodies such as the Master Builders Association of Victoria, the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC), etc, are being invited to be represented.  We are planning opportunities to view students in action and discuss any strategies for identifying and recruiting talent.  This industry-led discussion would enable those training to ensure they are developing in areas being sought and will incentivise those nearing completion of the Certificate course to align to industry.

In regard to Phase Two, we would welcome the names of employers who would be interested in meeting the students we have in our VET courses with the potential to build strong pathways for our students into their chosen industries. 

If you are an employer or can nominate possible contacts, to help us to develop a successful network of employment and training pathways, please email College Assistant Principal Ken Massari  ken.massari@education.vic.gov.au 

PHASE THREE will see the Northern Bay College Year 5 and 6 students attend a GITTC Experience Day in December to realise what will become available to them, initially as part of our Year 7/8 Specialist rotations each week, and further when commencing at the Goldsworthy Years 9-12 Campus.