Jobs boom for SPC Students with increase in Vocational Pathways

by Mr Damian Kinnersly, Director of Pathways and Applied Learning

Celebrating 2020 in Vocational Pathways

As we near the end of 2020, it is timely to look back at the wonderful achievements that the students have achieved during a time of uncertainty. During the year, a number of students have been significantly impacted by the restrictions in response to Covid-19 in their vocational pursuits. The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs were restricted in the face-to-face contact hours, reducing the opportunity for students to learn, practice and re-enforce the skills and knowledge required for their respective fields of future employment. Students undertaking School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) and Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) opportunities were faced with new workplace safety protocols which, in many cases, restricted the opportunities to work. The impact of reduced employees on worksites meant that some students unfortunately were unable to continue with their SBAT or SWL, which meant that new opportunities had to be sought.

Despite the negative impacts of Covid-19, the students adapted to the new learning environment and have demonstrated enormous resilience and adaptability. While we often celebrate the academic achievements of our students, I believe it is prudent to also celebrate the large number of now St Patrick’s College Old Collegians who have left the College in 2020 after gaining employment or entering into Tertiary (TAFE) training. I would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff who have assisted these young men during their educational journey at SPC and the organistaions and staff that have provided exceptional advice and training for their vocational programs. A final thank you and congratulations also needs to go to all the parents of these “Great Men”, whose constant support, love and guidance has helped see their son move into the next phase of their lives.

Jayden Allen

Flynn Atchison

Samuel Broadbent

Finn Burns

Aaron Cadman

Lachlan Carlson

Sean Clarke

Benjamin Conroy

Joe Darbin

Darcy Emonson

Jyson Fawcett

Matthew Fillisch

Darby Frazer

Oliver Huf

Jonte Jarred

Dylan Johns

Malachy Kennedy

Damon Kupisz

Matthew Layton

William Lund

Connor Madigan

Tom McDougall

Jack McLean

Ryan Mellington

McMillan Odgers

Rory O’Keefe

Tyler Owins

Cooper Parsons-Jones

Brock Prendergast

Joshua Quinlan

Harrison Roscoe

Timothy Rosewarne

Lachlan Scholten

Joel Smith

Thomas Sporton

Wyatt Squires

Darcy Stubbs

Lachlan Van Der Linden

Isaac Watts

Cameron Watters

Reid Boylan

Ryan Carey

Declan Kelly

Rory Linahan

Anthony Lloyd

Zach Murphy

Jayden Roberts

Jack Stone

Maxwell Wakefield

Nate Boylan

Mitchell Grant

Kodi James

Benjamin Morcom-Knight

Will Porter

Kye Tonkin

Joel Harbour

Looking forward to 2021

Students who have applied for vocational programs for 2021 should now have received confirmation of offers, either internally through the confirmation of subjects or via offers received from the Highlands LLEN VET cluster for external programs. It is anticipated that a number of students in Years 11 and 12 may seek to secure a SBAT for 2021 over the summer period, which will require enrolment in the VCAL program to maximise the opportunities to achieve a Senior Certificate. There are still opportunities for students to enter the VCAL program in 2021, but places are restricted so any enquiries should be directed to the Director of Pathways and Applied Learning.