200 YEAR 9 students from across the Southern Grampians have been given the opportunity  to test their career aspirations and to gain ‘hands on’ experience in a variety of industry areas in preparation for subject selection in 2024.

The Glenelg & Southern Grampians Local Learning Employment Network (GSGLLEN) partnered with SWTAFE, Hamilton District Skills Centre (HDSC) and Monivae College to give all year nine students an opportunity to attend a vocational Taster Day Session and have exposure to industry training of choice.

Options include sessions on Early Childhood Studies, Agriculture, Health Services and Visual Arts at SWTAFE; Engineering at Monivae College; and Cookery, Building & Construction, Automotive, Hair & Beauty, Creative Industries & Technology at HDSC.

Students from Monivae College, Baimbridge College, Good Shepherd College, The Hamilton & Alexandra College, and Heywood and District Secondary College, participated in the sessions over the past two Tuesdays.

They were exposed to the real settings of each vocation and gained hands-on experience to hopefully ignite interest in the various offerings that can lead their future career pathways.

VET Delivery to Secondary Students (VDSS) allows young people in secondary school to gain practical skills in a particular industry setting whilst undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

Undertaking a VET whilst at school enables students to experience a mix of general and vocational education and make a start on their career pathway before leaving school.

“Young people in the Southern Grampians are fortunate to have so many quality vocational training options available. The partnership between all of the providers has supported students planning their next steps in their career journeys, with an opportunity to test and trial vocational training locally. Thanks to all involved in such a quality program,” GSGLLEN executive officer, Anne Murphy said.

For further information on VETDSS training options in the Southern Grampians please contact SWTAFE, HDSC, or GSGLLEN School to Work Broker, Janelle Tooley.