Thanks to the support and guidance of staff at BUSY Schools Salisbury, a group of Year 11 students are building more than just their career pathways, as they work towards completing a Certificate I in Construction.  The course is delivered through Skill360, a Registered Training Organisation and also a part of the BUSY Group. During the course, over two school terms, the students are learning to build cabinetry for the school kitchen.

Sebastian and Taylor are two students whose attendance were low at their previous schools, but now find themselves more motivated and actually wanting to show up to their classes.

“It’s a really good environment to be in, everyone is super friendly and accepting which is a nice change,” said Taylor.

“The teachers are also more involved in your schoolwork and offer one-on-one support for those students who require further assistance.”

Sebastian recently passed a Mathematics assessment for the first time in a long time which he was really proud of, especially since it is one of his favourite subjects.

“The teachers took the time to sit down and go through the work with me so I could understand it better, rather than just telling me what to do and expecting me to figure it out on my own,” said Sebastian.

“BUSY Schools has helped me out so much since I have been here, especially with this Construction course which will hopefully lead to a career in Carpentry or Plumbing.”

Taylor is also really enjoying the Construction course as she is learning new skills and has become more confident. In addition, to the Certificate I in Construction, Taylor is also completing a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology as part of her school-based apprenticeship which she attends every Friday.

“I find the hands-on work quite interesting and the best part about this experience is being able to get out into the workforce and learn everything about it,” said Taylor.

Lee Aitken, CEO for BUSY Schools said, “BUSY Schools prepares students for life after school by providing real career support with planning for each individual pathway, relevant vocational education and training courses, work experience and school-based apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities. This not only builds their confidence, but also prepares and gives them a head start with the vocational skills and experience to kick start their careers.”

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

Sebastian (L) and Taylor (R) are students at BUSY Schools Salisbury and are completing a Certificate I in Construction as part of their school curriculum.

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

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

Tyla Stanton is making steps to becoming a tiler and living up to his name, recently starting a school-based apprenticeship after an opportunity to do work experience inspired him to pursue a career in tiling.

Identifying as Torres Strait Islander and originating from Ugar (Stephens Island), Tyla previously attended other schools in the Cairns region but found he wasn’t really thriving. Once he enrolled in BUSY Schools and was given the opportunity to explore a trade pathway (which is what he has always wanted to do), Tyla is confident that his future plans are now on track.

“The hands on teaching and smaller classes has helped with my education a lot. I had a great time at my recent work experience and I love that I can do a school-based apprenticeship while still gaining my year 12 certificate. I also love that I’m getting into a trade that I like!”, Tyla said of BUSY Schools and the opportunity he has been given to complete a school-based apprenticeship.

BUSY Schools provides students the opportunity to plan for their working careers while also completing their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), through work experiences with local employers and school-based apprenticeships, where the student starts their apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school.

Undertaking a school-based apprenticeship involves working approximately 7.5 hours per week during school hours, and the work forms part of their curriculum learning. Students also benefit by earning some money while learning on the job and gaining employer contacts that can set them up for employment opportunities before even leaving school.

“Not every student’s dream is to go onto university, although BUSY Schools do support students who want to pursue an academic career pathway as well. Our small class sizes and individualised support mean we can provide education and career mentoring to students that suit their preferences. Tyla is a great example of that and we can’t wait to see his career flourish – Tyla the Tiler, what a great business name for a start!” said CEO for BUSY Schools, Lee Aitkens.

Thanks to BUSY Schools, Tyla is now looking forward to his future stating, “Once I finish this year I want to go full time with my school-based apprenticeship and gain full time hours and more money”.

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