Proudly sponsored by the Department for Education
Imogen Smith was introduced to the basic skills of a few different trades at Cardijn College, Marcellin Campus in Year 10; by Year 11 her mind was set on becoming an electrician. A school-based apprenticeship with Nexphase Electrical, through the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, made this happen.
Imogen’s grandfather inspired her decision: watching and assisting him turned into building custom projects with him and learning valuable skills. He was influential in sparking the passion she has today for her work. She also loved the idea of a job that would keep her on the move and give her the opportunity to use interesting tools – she couldn’t see herself in a non-physical career!
Imogen is determined to own a business and make a difference through her interest in renewable energy and sustainable living; growing in confidence, she also wants to inspire young girls to try electrotechnology and thrive in the industry.
Jazmin Benson-Richards’ passion for working with timber began in Year 7 with a bird-house toilet roll holder. Since then, she has designed and created a new project every year: bookshelf holder, small side table, bedside table with push-to-open drawers, moveable island bench. In her apprenticeship she is making kitchens, bathroom vanities, walk-in robes, outdoor kitchens, pantries, laundries and bar rooms.
Encouragement from her mother to pursue an activity she loved led Jazmin to a school-based apprenticeship and the Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology.
Jazmin is inspired by how much there is to learn in the cabinet-making trade and the reaction of family, friends, and colleagues when she makes something they admire; she credits the team workplace environment at Cabinet Creations Riverland for her increased confidence.
Travelling and working as a certified cabinet maker to see how others pursue the trade she loves is one of Jazmin’s dreams.
Lara Wilson is already on the way to her dream career as an educator; working towards an ATAR, she also undertook a school-based traineeship, the Certificate III in School Based Education Support, at Underdale High School and the Hospital School SA.
Through schooling and her traineeship, Lara has learnt to find her voice, trust her judgement, seek help and feedback, and how to work in a supportive and collaborative team – and she has found an incredible group of friends!
Lara has a passion for making a difference by having a positive impact on others, nurturing them, and helping them to achieve their dreams and goals.
Working and completing her traineeship has been one of the best experiences of Lara’s life; she feels fortunate for the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from the Hospital School SA team; through them, Lara has discovered her purpose: to become a primary school teacher.
Liam Carr’s interest in becoming a teacher began in Year 10 with work experience at Ungarra Primary School, where he realised that working in a classroom would be his perfect career. Living in a regional community is also important to Liam because it’s where he has developed close relationships with family members and positive relationships with his teachers.
As a Year 12 student at Tumby Bay Area School, which he has attended from reception, Liam worked as a trainee school services officer as part of the Certificate III in School Based Education Support.
Liam’s school-based traineeship enabled him to develop his leadership potential, refine his interpersonal skills, and improve his time management and organisational skills; he has learnt about managing a learning environment effectively and developing productive relationships with primary-aged students.
Liam believes his traineeship has set him up with a strong foundation for future study and a teaching career.
In Year 9 at Murray Bridge High School, one of Nathaniel Hutchesson’s teachers encouraged him to explore metal technology career options.
Nathaniel enjoyed this challenge; he liked learning about making things, using drawings to interpret information, and being hands-on in a workshop environment. Inspiring teachers supported these early career-discovery stages.
A Certificate II in Engineering Pathways at Murray Bridge High School highlighted the possibilities of a metal technology career; learning about the metals and manufacturing industry led to a school-based apprenticeship: the Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade, through TAFE SA.
Work experience with BAE Systems Australia and the Osborne Naval Shipyard exposed Nathaniel to engineering fabrication trade opportunities he had never imagined.
Nathaniel finds the learning process of watching then doing rewarding because he can see his projects come to fruition. He envisages his future as achieving a Diploma of Engineering and establishing a solid career in the industry.
The winner will receive $1,000 to be used towards their training and development.