Vocational Education

and Training (VET)

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Students from many VET courses have the opportunity to apply for a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. Some VET courses require students to do placement to gain ‘hands on’ experience and develop skills for the industry. Whilst on placement employers have the opportunity to train hard working and dedicated students whom they may want to offer an apprenticeship or traineeship.

There are currently 15 students at Aberfoyle Park High School who are completing an apprenticeship and we also now have one additional student who have been offered this opportunity.

Year 11 student Adison started a Certificate III Retail Traineeship with Adelaide Candle and Moulding Company in the city at the end of term 1. He saw the job advertised on SEEK, forwarded his resume and cover letter and was then interviewed. The company, who previously didn't undertake school-based traineeships was so suitably impressed with Adison that they have decided to undertake a school-based traineeship for him. 

Adison will be working for the next 18 months developing customer skills and helping with arranging of client orders for packaging and selling. He is currently working three days per week and is attending school for two days so he can complete his SACE over the next two years. Adison is keen to get into management and this course will assist him with his goal. 

We would like to congratulate Adison on his fabulous achievements and wish him a great year with his study and work commitments.

Career Awareness

Every year students are given the opportunity to attend many different experiences to discover whether the industry is suitable for them. To date students have attended a Zoo Experience and the Australian Defence Force Leadership Day to learn more about the industries and if this career pathway could be for them. Below are their experiences from attending the days.

Zoo Experience – Career Awareness 

Arriving at the Adelaide Zoo for Careers Day and seeing fascinating creatures was a wonderful experience to have and treasure. I had waited for a fortnight to go to the Adelaide Zoo for Careers Experience to see if this industry suited me, and to my surprise it does. Not only did we watch tropical birds flying above our heads, underwater animals, cruising penguins, the baby giraffes, and so many more but we got to see 'behind-the-scenes' of the zoo. The day was awesome with so much to see and do.

I learnt and gained the experience of what the life of a zookeeper was like and how many opportunities a person can find in Adelaide's most loved zoo. There are so many more jobs at the Zoo that I knew nothing about. I learnt some amazing information from all the brilliant hosts, such as how some wildlife animals are still held captive with chains around their neck. How zoos are a place for these animals to live in comfort and live a life somewhat like being in the wild.

The memory that really stuck with me from wandering around in the Adelaide Zoo at lunch break, was having a glimpse of Wang Wang, the panda, drifting off to sleep and me being the only one to see his droopy eyes close. The animals are amazing to see and learning about the habits and nature of many animals was really interesting.

I really recommend young people to attend the Adelaide Zoo for careers experience. It really shows in depth each person's role in the zoo and how many people work there to look after all the different animals. It is a fun, environmentally friendly space, and you get to hear the employee’s stories about how they gained their wildlife animals. They also discuss how young adults can help as a volunteer. 

For those who are fascinated with animals they should apply to the Adelaide Zoo, especially for those who are unsure about their future career. This was a great opportunity to see people working and hear all about the so many jobs at the Zoo. There is so much more than just being a Zookeeper. I loved this experience and have found that I am definitely interested in working with animals.

Student Angel Rezaie

ADF Careers High School Leadership Seminar

On Wednesday 8 March female students were invited to attend a seminar to learn about many different jobs in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), particularly leadership positions.  Two students, who demonstrated the skills and interest about the ADF, Emily and Montanna were chosen to attend to gain valuable information about the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They spent the day at the headquarters with Leaders in the ADF learning what is required to gain a place and what tasks are done in the jobs. The girls got to speak with current ADF personnel about a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force and experience a variety of activities designed to:

• develop leadership skills
• dispel myths about being a female in the ADF
• encourage female students to take on leadership roles
• inspire female students to strive for a career they may not have considered.

At the High School Leadership Seminar students discovered many of the rewards of working in the ADF and what type of job they might thrive in. The girls were interested to learn you are paid to study and train with the ADF and that the starting wage was over $40000. They also learnt that people who attend university and gain a degree do not pay the fees and in fact they are also paid. Work is also guaranteed when they finish their studies.

Emily and Montanna found with over 200 different roles available, there is sure to be one to match their skills, interests, and education. They both stated that it was such a rewarding day to be with people who are so positive and keen to learn, develop skills and become in leaders in their field. Both students learnt so much about the industry and about the importance of being a leader.

The ADF leadership conference was very informational, and I learnt a lot about the different roles and what they do within the Australian Defence Force. We did group activities that allowed us to meet new people and hear others' opinions and ideas on leadership. We learnt that leadership is not just about authority and guiding people but is also about understanding people feelings and being a trusting person that someone can talk to. I learnt a lot about the different roles within the Navy, Army and Air Force and how leadership is different in all three.

Student, Montanna

If you are interested in apprenticeships/traineeship opportunities, learning more about VET and/or the ADF or would like to learn more about career experiences, please contact Kass Holmes the VET Leader on kass.holmes92@schools.sa.edu.au or ring the school to speak with her.