Inspiring students

Supportive Staff

Going into year 11 and 12, I had no plan for my future and had zero interest in school. I made little effort in my exams or assessments and the N-Awards started to pile up. All I wanted to do was drop out and find any job that would take me. After going through Year 11 with mixed emotions about continuing school, and having some difficult discussions with my family, I decided to bite the bullet and seek some help.

My first point of call was to speak  to  Mrs Reid, our Careers Adviser, to Mr Alfonsi and to our Deputy Principal, Mrs Haskett.  With their guidance, I managed to get the support from my family about the possibility of leaving school and beginning a career.

I started with work experience back in Year 10 where I completed work experience weeks at both Kemps Creek Public School and Cecil Hills Public School. With the help of our Cecil Hills High School staff, we looked into childcare because I realised that I have a passion for looking after young children (In fact. I do a lot of childcare at home looking after my siblings)!  So far, I’ve applied for eight positions, gone for two one day trials and I am continually on the lookout for a traineeship in childcare.

There have been some obstacles!  Transport -   I’m under 17 which means relying on public transport, this can be difficult living at Kemps Creek.  For some of the positions within childcare, having a driver’s licence is a prerequisite, so I can’t even apply.  Competitive - I have also realised that it’s very competitive to gain a traineeship - trying to impress an employer on a one day only trial with people I don’t even know has its challenges.

There are also lots of positives!  I’ve learnt how to write cover letters and resumès (and I feel as if I am getting pretty good at it – thanks to the support of the Careers team at school).  I have also become more confident in making phone calls to prospective employers, I  am absolutely loving the experience of working with children, gaining experience from other employees in the workplace, as well as getting used to having a boss to report to!  Most importantly, having a supportive family - I am keeping my family informed of what I’m doing every day and I feel this is important.

I’m very determined to secure a childcare traineeship and regularly meet with Mr Alfonsi to seek out and apply for opportunities. As you are reading this, I hope that I have been successful in securing a position!

My advice to students who feel it’s time to leave school and start their career is:  seek the support of our Careers team here at school – they are awesome!  Also, talk to your teachers, be open with your family and do as much work experience as you can in the areas of employment you’re passionate about.

Laura Ngao, Year 12