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Kapunda High School, a regional secondary school for students from years 7 to 12, offers a rich curriculum across vocational and academic pathways. Now in its 102nd year, the school has an impressive history and fine tradition of high achievement, educational success, and committed community involvement.
A catastrophic fire in March 2022 significantly damaged ‘Eringa’, a grand residence donated by Sir Sidney and Lady Kidman now used by the school for administration. The school community rallied for the rebuild, forging a strong partnership with registered training organisation FCTA – Building Careers, to provide an innovative program that included a heritage trades immersion week and the Certificate II in Construction Pathways (focusing on construction and heritage trades) with a pathway to a Certificate III in Heritage Trade Skills.
Through FCTA expertise, students acquired in-demand construction industry skills while working on school grounds and contributing to addressing the skills shortage in heritage trades.
Thebarton Senior College, a public-school registered training organisation, offers a School-Based Apprentice or Trainee (SBAT) Program, plus vocational education and training (VET) qualifications in business, community services, construction, information technology, and screen and media.
Staff collaborate with industry to develop innovative VET pathways into Certificate II and III qualifications, including Gateways 2 VET in engineering, screen and media, information technology or a trade; Pathway to Policing; Special Interest Academy (focusing on the performing arts); and Class of Cabaret.
Students can enrol in the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), VET qualifications or the New Arrivals Program; over 1,000 students across 76 cultural groups access courses each year. Part- and full-time study options and flexible timetabling allow students to combine enrolment at another school with VET qualifications or SACE subjects.
With an eye to potential employment opportunities, Thebarton Senior College works closely with group training organisations, apprenticeship networks, employers, and industry.
Collaboration is key to the Doorways2construction (D2C) Flexible Industry Program (FIP) hosted by the Yorketown Area School on behalf of the 7 Yorke Peninsula Secondary Alliance (YPSA) members. The program prioritises hands-on learning, inclusivity, and cultural safety for students.
In consultation with local industries and to prepare students for entry-level jobs in agriculture, construction, local government, and resources, the YPSA partnered with ATEC to deliver the Certificate II in Construction Pathways, which included an imported engineering unit of competency.
Determined that geographical location be a strength – some of the 13 Year 11 students make a round trip of up to 260 km for the program – YPSA members and their communities take on a collective responsibility for all YPSA students to ensure they can develop their skills and capabilities, build their networks and connections, and enjoy post-school success.
YPSA’s next priority is to explore opportunities for involving community and industry mentors.