Case Studies

It’s hard to believe that my traineeship will come to an end at the end of the year. The past year and a half has been the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life. Like many other people I found school a hassle, it just wasn’t for me. My school based traineeship has not only given me a head start in life it’s also given me confidence and direction.
Starting my traineeship gave me a fresh start and I truly believe it was the best decision I have ever made. I’m learning something I am interested in while attending school to complete my VCAL certificate, completing studies in Aged Care and being employed in the field. For the first time I am in the workforce and it’s no longer a hassle to get up in the morning, my traineeship has lead me onto the path of my future, passion and happiness. I have been given tremendous support from Jenny McComb and from Martin Luther Homes where I work in the Aged Care field. My eyes have been opened and I am now planning for the future, something I never considered while at school 5 days a week.
My traineeship has given me the opportunity to really excel in what I love doing. By participating in TAFE and gaining certificate III last year and completing Certificate IV this year, it’s amasing how many opportunities are waiting for me after I finish my traineeship. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, without whose help none of this would have been possible.

Jessica was recently awarded a Vocational Scholarship worth $2000.00 towards further study and on 29th March this year was award the Australian Student Award for Highest Achievement in the Community Services and Health Industry.

Jessica Gard – 2nd Year Aged Care Trainee
 

My name is Michael and I work as a Help Desk Service Consultant within the Department Of Education.

I attended a private Secondary College from year 7 until 10. Unfortunately they didn't have any programs or studies that I wanted to do. I found that Heathmont College had a program called School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, run through atEAST. This program allowed me to attend school 1 day a week, undertake training 1 day a week and attend work 3 days a week.

I found atEAST suited me well, considering the schedule of school, training and employment. In my first year I had an interview at Great Ryrie Primary School where I obtained a position working as an IT Trainee Technician.

The off the job training as well as gaining hands on experience at the school gave me the confidence with my communication and social skills and enabled me to deal with people on all levels. Jenny McComb whom co-ordinates the atEAST program would come out on sight to see how my progress was going and to see if I had any queries or concerns.

During my first year as a Trainee, I completed certificate III in Information Technology and completed my year at Great Ryrie Primary School in which I was working at. To my surprise I received an Award for First Year Trainee of the Year 2000 from atEAST.

In 2001 atEAST assisted me in applying for a position with the Department Of Education. During my employment as a trainee at the department, I received on the job training and successfully completed Certificate IV in Information Technology (User Support).

After completing the Traineeship with atEAST I have been successful in applying for an ongoing position within the Department of Education.

Thanks again for your support atEAST!!

Michael Eagleton
Technical Support Analyst
Information Technology Division
Department of Education and Training - Service Desk

As the end of Year 10 was coming to a close and another Maths assignment was handed in, I seriously doubted ever needing to use all those numbers scribbled on the paper in my own life. As I began to look deeper into this thought I realised that this was the case with nearly all my studies. I knew what was needed in each subject, but to further these studies with the realisation I would not be using a lot of them in the workplace I would be in was a waste of precious time. Having worked in kitchens for 2 years so far at this stage for a part time job and after having completed 2 weeks of work experience earlier that year in more kitchens, I knew in my heart I would follow this path. So, with this plan, I sought out the means to bring this desire to fruition and quickly. I was put in touch with Jenny McComb and a meeting was organised later in the week. Jenny informed me about the requirements and opportunities that the school-based traineeship possessed and I soon signed the form that brought me from the dead-end that was looming ahead for me - to the door of endless opportunities.

This door is ruled only by your own imagination and will to succeed in the desires and dreams of your heart. All of which can come to pass if you tirelessly persevere through the testings and hurdles that will come upon you. Above all, it is the key to unlock this door. This key is found in your own courage to take a bold step of faith out into this world.

I was soon learning and honing my cooking skills. I was protégéd under the great Chef and one of my closest friends Gary Cooper. Gary taught me not just about cooking but about skills of life also. Your work should never feel like a chore, but rather an opportunity to show everyone your passion and zeal for what it is you love. I encourage you to search for an employee that will also build you up in more areas than just your work. An employee that is a friend also is priceless. After one year, my Traineeship evolved into an Apprenticeship. I used the Traineeship as a stepping- stone. In my mind I had visualised working in kitchens full time but needed to feel the water so to speak first.

I qualified further down the track and am always thankful that I decided not to waste a moment longer following a routine that so many people stick to. I cannot understand why this is. School is excellent but if you know in your heart your job pathway already I encourage you to be brave and take a step like I did. When you take that step, walk in assured that any job or any position can be yours through perseverance. Visualise yourself in that role and then run towards it. Out of every new generation comes new leaders and strong and mighty men and women, succeeding in all things that they tirelessly run towards.
Be inspired.
Be brave.
Take that step.

Ry Stephen
3rd Year Apprentice