Born and bred in Australia, yet proud of his multicultural background, Emmanuel is a Year 11 student who is now excelling in his schooling and career pathway, thanks to the assistance received from The BUSY Schools team at Salisbury.

Emmanuel sadly experienced bullying at his previous schools before coming to The BUSY Schools but has since made new friends and been well supported by his teachers and Rodney Florent, the campus’ Employment Pathways Officer.

“It was a bit weird at first calling our teachers by their first names, but it has been a much better experience and I am more focused now too,” said Emmanuel.

“I struggle studying by myself sometimes so appreciate the extra help I have received and the various opportunities that have been presented to me.”

Emmanuel recently completed one-week of work experience in the Electrical Engineering Department at Wave International where he was shown Engineering software to determine the electrical wiring and circuits of an office building. The work experience opportunity has now led to a school-based traineeship for Emmanuel. Under the traineeship, Emmanuel will work approximately one day per week for the company, with the added benefit of it forming part of his school curriculum at The BUSY Schools.

“It was a great working experience and an even better team environment. I really enjoyed doing something new and different, including my own project of creating the layout for the installation of lighting, power sockets and switches,” said Emmanuel.

Rodney said Emmanuel had trouble engaging in his schooling at first, but his confidence has skyrocketed since being in the workforce and he is walking a little bit taller.

“Wave International were struggling to get drafts people so they offered Emmanuel an opportunity to do a school-based traineeship following his work experience, where he would gain a Certificate III in Engineering. If he does well, then hopefully they will offer him a permanent position once he graduates.”

There are many industries that are desperate for qualified tradespeople and just can’t get them but if you take a chance on a school student, you get them from the ground up and are able to teach them the correct way of doing things because they often have no previous experience,” Rodney stated.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools, said, “The BUSY Schools encourages employers to provide students with the opportunity to experience a real working environment and learn the skills and knowledge that can only be taught in the workplace.”

It not only opens additional career pathways for the student, but most often than not, the business gains a brand-new employee who understands the work culture and can bring in new ideas. We really value the support of organisations such as Wave International who provide opportunities for our students.”

Emmanuel (middle) with Allan Aitkenhead (L) and Allan Quach (R) from Wave International.

Emmanuel enjoyed his one-week work experience at Wave International and has now started a school-based traineeship, which he hopes will lead to a fruitful career in Electrical Engineering.

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

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

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