Training trade skills with frills

Studying trades at school creates endless opportunities, reports

VOCATIONAL education provides school students with important skills in problem-solving, leadership and communication – proving it is just as valuable to those wanting to continue on to university as it is for those pursuing a trade.

Marcellin Technical College principal Dr Paul Rijken says the days of discouraging academically gifted students from undertaking VET are gone.

“The truth is that today we have a more blended approach to academic and vocational learning, providing the best of both worlds and (being) of greater benefit to preparing young people for the future,’’ Rijken said.

“Advice from our industry partners continues to emphasise the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity and problemsolving, leadership, motivation and commitment as critical.

“Vocational learning allows for these skills to be well covered in training courses and work placement, in addition to core skills related to a trade or vocational pathway.’’

Training manager Justin Mamo says VET in school programs allows students to leave their post-school options open, with many enjoying the experience so much they choose to study at a much higher level than they originally planned.

“We’ve seen students who, for example, start (an engineering program) with us and say, ‘You know what, I might take the uni pathway and go and become a civil engineer’,’’ Mamo said.

“So they go (to uni) with that trade background and have the ability to problemsolve and think more practically.”

Year 12 student Jye Thomson, 16, began a schoolbased electrotechnology apprenticeship late last year and believes the workplace skills he has already learned will stand him in good stead.

“You can learn the basics in the classroom, I guess, but there’s so much more pressure (in the workplace) where there’s an actual customer you’re dealing with,’’ he said.

“I’ve learnt customer service skills and how to work with other tradesmen – if there’s someone you’ve never met before you have to learn how to communicate with them and get along with them. It’s all been really awesome.”

❝

Today we have a more blended approach to academic and vocational learning, providing the best of both worlds ... — Paul Rijken

PHOTO: NAOMI JELLICOE VITAL EDUCATION: Jye Thomson is doing an electrotechnology school-based apprenticeship and says he’s learning skills to kick-start his career.