BUSY Schools Support Students in their Education and Career Pathways

Two Year 12 students at BUSY Schools Cairns, Kais and Jacob, are undertaking work experience as Diesel Mechanics at Kinetic Fleet Services who own Sunbus Depot and Love’s Buses in Smithfield.

Both students are really enjoying getting their hands dirty and are hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship from the work experience opportunity. One of the students, Kais is feeling optimistic about pursuing this as a career, having never considered becoming a Diesel Mechanic until a few months ago.

Kais grew up in Torres Strait and Thursday Island and his earlier schooling was done via remote learning. He was taught only one topic per term and after hearing about BUSY Schools when he first moved to Cairns, he was really excited to attend a campus with a broader curriculum and support of employment pathways.

“I realised the program was a great fit for me as an individual and although going from learning one topic per term to learning ten topics per term was a big adjustment, the support I received from my teachers, where they go out of their way to assist me, was extremely helpful,” said Kais.

Employment Pathways Officer at BUSY Schools Cairns, Amba Tipton, stated, “At BUSY Schools we take the opportunity to get to know the students and treat them as equals.

This not only makes them feel more comfortable in the classroom, but it also allows us to gain a better understanding of their attitudes, learning abilities and appropriate career choices. This helps with our individualised approach to teaching and learning and support towards employment opportunities.”

Jacob came from a different educational experience and struggled at his last school, he didn’t enjoy the schooling and found it difficult to pay attention in class. He now appreciates the non-traditional school setting BUSY Schools offers and the assistance he gets from his teachers.

“I’ve found I am understanding the schoolwork a lot better because my teachers are explaining it to me in a way that helps me comprehend it easier,” said Jacob.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools said, “BUSY Schools is focused on the individual student, their strengths and career aspirations. Students get to explore pathways through work experience and vocational education alongside their school curriculum.  It’s great to see students like Jacob and Kai completely change the way they view their schoolwork and their future.”

BUSY Schools Cairns students, Jacob (L) and Kai (R), had the opportunity to undertake work experience in Diesel Mechanics trade with Kinetic Fleet Services.

For more information, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

BUSY Schools Motivated Jade to Take an Interest in her Education Again

Having moved to Australia from New Zealand three years ago to be with the rest of her family, Jade found the adjustment quite difficult, including life at her new school as it was very different to the school she came from in New Zealand.

Eventually, Jade dropped out of the school halfway through Year 11 and found herself completely unmotivated to do anything outside of her home.

Referred to BUSY Schools, Jade soon gained an interest in learning again, as well as developing great friendships with the other students.

“I am making way better progress here at BUSY Schools than I was at my last school, my grades have increased, and I even had a 100% attendance rate last term which I was really proud of,” said Jade.

“The biggest difference has been the teachers and their teaching styles, they are more involved in your education and do a lot of one-on-one sessions with the students which I found helped me a lot,” Jade added.

Earlier this year, Jade started a traineeship in Business Administration at In Scope Training, a vocational training provider who offer a range of accredited courses. Jade attends each Wednesday as part of her school-based traineeship. On top of this Jade is also completing a Certificate I in Construction as she is unsure what industry she would like to go into after graduation, so is taking the time to explore her options and discover her career passion.

Employment Pathways Officer at BUSY Schools Shailer Park, Karlene Feldbauer, said getting Jade a traineeship was easy because she is so open and friendly, and will give absolutely anything a go.

“I invited a contact of mine to help out with training on campus and she mentioned she was looking for a trainee, I immediately thought of Jade and she started the following week,” said Karlene.

Recently, Jade was also invited by Minister Mick De Brenni to attend the Parliament House in Brisbane for a School Captain’s lunch where she witnessed Anastasia Palaszczuk deliver a motion into Parliament.

“I found the whole experience really inspirational and I also managed to get a selfie with the Minister,” said Jade.

“I would definitely recommend BUSY Schools to anyone wanting to go somewhere that makes you feel welcome and is interested in helping you with your studies,” added Jade.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools, a part of the BUSY Group Ltd, said, “We at BUSY Schools want to see our students succeed both in their education and in life. Our staff and teachers work to provide the support and encouragement to help them achieve their goals and become positive contributors to their community.”

For more information, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

BUSY Schools is Preparing Zac for his Chosen Career Path

EXCITING UPDATE (September 10, 2021)

Since posting this story Zac has now been offered a full time apprenticeship with Mannix Pluming. He has even been offered a company car once he gets his P-Plates. Zac is grateful to BUSY Schools and now has his career pathway and a bright future ahead. Read more about how it all began below.

Earlier this year, Zac started as a Year 11 student at the BUSY Schools Shailer Park campus. When a group of employers visited the campus to talk to students about different industry career pathways, Zac discovered exactly what career path was for him.

Before attending BUSY Schools, Zac found his previous school quite stressful and disappointing. Ideally, he wanted to go to a school that didn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach and since being at BUSY Schools for over a term, Zac now feels extremely relaxed and appreciates all of his teachers.

“BUSY Schools has helped me a lot on both an emotional and educational level. I have come to understand the subjects much better than my old school and I am also a lot calmer than I was, which has improved my learning,” said Zac.

In addition to his ongoing schoolwork, Zac has completed work experience, a White Card course, and is in the midst of completing a Certificate I in Construction.

Employment Pathways Officer at BUSY Schools Shailer Park, Karlene Feldbauer, said Zac has achieved so much since starting at BUSY Schools and is beginning to show initiative in taking those necessary steps to help kick start his career as a Plumber.

“Zac decided he wanted to be a plumber following the talk given by industry employers in term one. A couple of days later, he came to me with a phone number of a plumbing company that did some work at his house and asked if we could see if they would be interested in having him do some work experience there,” said Karlene.

Once Scenic Rim Plumbing had confirmed their interest, Zac completed his work experience there every Wednesday for a term, and although they were unable to take him on board once he had finished, he is determined to find more opportunities to launch his career.

“I really enjoyed helping the team fix broken pipes and dig trenches and am hoping to do an apprenticeship in plumbing, so I can eventually become a qualified trades person,” Zac added.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools, a part of the BUSY Group Ltd, said, “BUSY Schools offers a welcoming place where students feel safe and supported. Our teachers and staff inspire and encourage students to re-engage with their education and take initiative in forming their career pathways. We have a holistic service offering through the BUSY Group, with links to vocational education and employment services.

Whether students want to go on to higher education, a trades pathway or get straight into work, we work individually with each student so that they get the chance to become the best version of themselves.” Lee further stated.

EXCITING UPDATE (10th September, 2021)

Since posting this story, Zac has now landed an apprenticeship with Mannix Plumbing and his career has now begun. He’s even been promised a company car once he gets his P-plates. Zac is really grateful for BUSY Schools and the direction provided – he has his future on track! Read more about how it all began for Zac below.

Thanks to the assistance and encouragement provided by BUSY Schools, Zac has decided he would like to pursue a career in Plumbing and has taken steps to help launch his career.

For more information, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

 

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au

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