HEADSTART Successes

Congratulations to these Year 12 VCAL students who are all getting a HEADSTART!

Molly Pell was signed up as a part time Hairdressing apprentice in December 2021. She works on Tuesdays and Thursdays, goes to TAFE on Mondays and comes to school on Wednesdays and Fridays.  At the end of this year after completing Year 12 she’ll transition to full time with her employer to complete her apprenticeship.

Molly says the best thing about HEADSTART is the flexibility of the program: "I have time to do training with work and also do my Year 12 at school.  I also like how much support I have from my HEADSTART coordinator and from my school community. Working with clients has really improved my communication skills. The team at work have built my skills and taught me how to be confident talking with clients."

"My advice to potential students is if you’re thinking about joining HEADSTART just do it! Because you won’t regret it. It may be a lot of work but you will get used to it and you have the opportunity to try your hardest." Well done Molly!

Wyatt Akai was signed up as a part-time Carpentry apprentice in May this year.  He works Tuesdays and Thursdays and comes to school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. His RTO training is delivered on the job.  At the end of this year he’ll transition to full time with his employer to complete his apprenticeship.

Wyatt says the best thing about HEADSTART is that it gives you the opportunity to start your career early and gives you the chances to learn: "The biggest effect it’s had on me would be, it’s opened my eyes about the workforce and how challenging everything truly is. To other students wanting to join HEADSTART, I say it’s a great step into your future and a great way to settle into the work side of life." Well done Wyatt!

Whioi Kerehoma (right) was signed up as a part-time Landscape Construction apprentice in May this year.  He works Tuesdays and Thursdays and comes to school Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  His RTO training is delivered on the job.  At the end of this year he’ll transition to full time with his employer to complete his apprenticeship.

Whioi says "The best thing about HEADSTART is that they helped me find a job I really enjoy. My Coordinator found out about what I was interested in doing and then matched me with an employer who gives me work I like to do.  Since joining I’ve learnt concreting and how to do box front yards. I know where to put the sand, dirt, plants and mulch." 

Whioi’s advice to other students is - if you’re looking for a trade apprenticeship HEADSTART is the way to go! Well done Whioi!

For more information on HEADSTART email Marg O’Shea at the College at marg.oshea@education.vic.gov.au.