Key Learning Area in Focus: Technologies and VET

From Classroom to Career: The Role of Chevalier College's Technologies and VET Department in Shaping Future-Ready Students

In a rapidly evolving world, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive cannot be overstated. At Chevalier College, our Technologies Department and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are purposefully designed to provide diverse experiences and opportunities that foster the development of vital 21st-century skills. Our educational approach carefully interweaves technical skill acquisition with a broader focus on essential competencies such as character development, citizenship, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. In the subsequent sections, we delve deeper into our offerings, illustrating how we prepare our students to become career-ready professionals and responsible, creative, and critical-thinking citizens of the world.

Shaping Future Careers Through Technological Skills Development

In Chevalier College's Technologies Department, we believe in cultivating the skills required for the 21st-century workforce. Our diverse portfolio of subjects, which encompasses Industrial Technologies, iSTEM, Design and Technology, Agriculture, and Food Technology, has been meticulously curated to address the core competencies integral to thriving in the modern world: character, citizenship, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Our pedagogical approach promotes students' immersion in real-world scenarios. For instance, students gain hands-on experience in wood and metal work, welding, and mechanical design through our Industrial Technologies courses. Using advanced CAD programs like Fusion 360, they collaboratively bring their innovative designs to fruition, thus sharpening their creativity and problem-solving skills. These activities further foster a sense of responsibility and perseverance, aiding character development and opening numerous career pathways in engineering and manufacturing.

In our dynamic iSTEM and Design and Technology subjects, we enable students to experience cutting-edge technological innovation. Students explore the fast-growing fields of MedTech, Robotics, aeronautical engineering, and sustainable design, fostering critical thinking and creativity, pivotal for careers in technology and innovation. In Design and Technology, students are encouraged to pursue their unique interests and passions, undertaking a wide array of design projects that encompass diverse fields like architecture, textiles, and app design, to name a few.

The emphasis on Agriculture and Food Technology introduces students to the practical and ethical aspects of food production and service industries. Students gain hands-on farming experience in our Agriculture courses, building citizenship and collaboration skills essential in environmental science, conservation, and agribusiness. The Food Technology courses delve into food product development, trends and catering, giving students insights into food's societal, cultural and health implications, and preparing them for a wide range of careers in food science, nutrition and hospitality.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses: Shaping Future-Ready Professionals

Chevalier College is committed to shaping future-ready students through our enriching Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. Specifically, our studies in Hospitality, Construction and Primary Industries offer practical experiences designed to equip learners with the essential skills required in their respective industries. Crucially, these courses also foster the development of the core 21st-century competencies mentioned above, positioning our students well for their future careers.

In the VET Hospitality course, students receive comprehensive training in critical aspects of the industry. Beyond learning essential hygiene and safety protocols, they engage with the fundamental areas of:

• food and beverage service
• espresso coffee preparation
• kitchen operations
• cookery

These aspects encourage critical thinking as students must efficiently plan, implement and manage various food service tasks. This practical experience in a collaborative environment fosters creativity, as students are encouraged to experiment with multiple food preparation methods and cookery. The emphasis on working with colleagues and customers cultivates a sense of responsibility and professionalism, reflecting the competencies of character and citizenship.

The VET Construction course, hosted in our dedicated Trade Skills Centre, prepares students for the intricacies of the construction sector. The mandatory focus areas of this course include:

• safety
• construction skills
• use of trade tools
• understanding the industry's dynamics

Students learn to handle different tools, understand and follow safety protocols, and manage construction projects, thereby exercising critical thinking and collaboration. These hands-on experiences nurture resilience and foster creativity in problem-solving. By understanding the industry's workings, they also develop a sense of citizenship and character, preparing them to be conscientious construction industry members.

Meanwhile, the VET Primary Industries course provides a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural sector. The course emphasises:

• chemical usage
• safety
• sustainability
• weather's impact on farming
• industry overview

Stream focus areas further delve into livestock health, welfare, and plant pests, diseases, and disorders. This immersive experience encourages critical thinking and problem-solving concerning livestock health and plant diseases. The emphasis on sustainability and safety cultivates an enhanced sense of citizenship, while collaboration in maintaining animal welfare and managing plant health develops character.

Chevalier College's Technologies Department ensures the fusion of practical skills and essential 21st-century competencies through these VET courses. Our approach ensures students are career-ready and equipped with a robust understanding of their roles and responsibilities within their chosen fields. In 2024, we are excited to announce the expansion of our Vocational Education and Training (VET) course offerings to include new areas such as Entertainment, Business Services, and Information and Digital Technologies. This will provide even broader career opportunities for our students, demonstrating our commitment to equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in the 21st century.

Closing Thoughts: Chevalier College's Commitment to Nurturing Future-Ready Students

At Chevalier College, we recognise that the landscape of careers is continually evolving, and hence, we are committed to ensuring our students are well-prepared to navigate these changes confidently. Through our diverse offerings in the Technologies Department and our comprehensive Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, we aim to equip our students with robust skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their chosen career paths. The journey from the classroom to career is pivotal, and at Chevalier College, we are dedicated to ensuring it is as enriching, inspiring, and future-focused as possible. Our dynamic Technologies Department and VET courses stand testament to our mission of empowering students to become tomorrow's innovative professionals and responsible citizens. As we continue to evolve and expand our offerings, we look forward to contributing to the success of our students, preparing them for the exciting opportunities that the future holds.