As a young mother, Una Leona had to leave school in 2019 to have her baby boy.
Determined to continue her schooling and finish her QCE, she enrolled in BUSY Schools Cairns Campus as a Year 11 student. BUSY Schools is an alternative schooling for students who have disengaged from school or struggle with the normal school system, offering a supportive environment and opportunities to explore vocational career paths.
Despite the challenges of 2020, along with looking after a newborn baby and completing her schoolwork, Una has experienced an incredible year. She recently completed her year 11 exams and was also offered two opportunities to undertake a one year traineeship in Business Administration in 2020.
“Juggling home and school has not been easy. I am just so grateful for the schools support because you don’t get that everywhere. They even looked after my son while I did my exams”, Una stated.
“It was a tough decision regarding the traineeships but I decided to take the business administration with Audio Health, as I am keen to pursue a career path that helps people. Once I have completed the year traineeship I am determined to come back and finish Year 12 as well”.
At BUSY Schools, students are encouraged and supported to find a career path that suits their passions and skills. BUSY Schools is an initiative of the BUSY Group Ltd who provide a range of employment, apprenticeship support and vocational skills development. The Cairns Campus was the first BUSY School campus to open in 2020 with a second campus opening for term 1, 2021 in Shailer Park.
Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools stated “We’re proud of Una and all she achieved in 2020 and wish her all the best in her traineeship next year. Her maturity is beyond her years and we know she will succeed in anything she puts her mind to”.
“BUSY Schools is a supportive environment for students who may struggle with the normal school system, offering a chance for them to complete their schooling while exploring vocational pathways or further study options. We’re excited to be opening our Shailer Park campus in time for Term 1 next year”, Lee further stated.
Una is keen to start her career path and is grateful for the support BUSY Schools has shown her. “I love walking into the school each day seeing all the staff who do so much for the students. I’ve had such an amazing journey, thank you to everyone who helped me through year 11”.
Una will commence a 1 year traineeship in Business Administration next year before returning to complete Year 12 at BUSY Schools.
