Hands on learning
Year 10 students at Yirara College are once again preparing for a block of Vocational and Educational Training in Schools (VETis). During this time, Yirara students join with those of other secondary schools in Alice Springs for a one week block of intensive training at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in a vocational area of interest to them.
This block (in most cases) forms part of a four-week program spread over the course of the academic year. Certificate courses that students have enrolled in this year include Automotive, Construction, Horticulture, Primary Health, Retail, Meat Processing and Sport and Recreation.
Tyrell Swan from Camooweal is working towards a Certificate II in Automotive. ‘I like fixing cars’, Tyrell says, ‘and it might help me get work on a cattle station one day when I’m finished school.’
Annetionette Kelly from Broome enjoys working outdoors and is enrolled in a Certificate I in Horticulture. ‘It’s good to do some hands-on work, like landscaping and working on projects like the veggie garden. You can feel proud of something that you’ve helped make.’
Such programs not only provide students with valuable life skills that they can take back to their communities but also a real taste of industry and the life of work. For students continuing with Stage 1 and Stage 2 studies, completed certificates also provide credits towards their attainment of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET).
After having completed key competencies, students may be deemed work-ready by their trainer and given the opportunity to take part in work placements within businesses and organisations throughout Alice Springs.
