VCAL@Work - Arnel Davis – VCAL Liaison

Wominjeka (Welcome in Woiworrung language) to this Reconciliation Week edition of the college newsletter.

The opportunity to have employment is one that should not be taken for granted, past generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were unable to earn a wage due to non-citizenship in our own country, thankfully a referendum 54 years ago today overturned this.

In Newsletter 6 I stated I was hopeful of securing further outside employment opportunities in Umpiring for students through the Essendon District Football League. During the last week approval was given by the School to commence an EDFL Umpiring academy on the Senior campus. I will keep you posted as to the commencement due to the uncertainty of COVID. Anyone who is interested in joining should inbox me at adavis@penola.vic.edu.au , this is also open to year 7 & 8 students.

This will provide students a direct pathway to employment through school.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind both parents and students of the opportunity the importance of returning signed forms for work placement. These forms assure that you and the employer are covered in the event of an incident.

Yet again I would also like to thank our employers and partners of both our Structured Workplace Learning and Work Experience programs.

Anyone interested in further support around opportunities should call me on (03)9908-9033 or e-mail me at adavis@penola.vic.edu.au

Not Austin an opportunity like this comes along

Shalee Austin has commenced a School Based Traineeship at the ANZ Bank.

This has come at a fantastic time for Shalee, a young Gunditjimara \ Yorta Yorta woman, as she experienced being retrenched by Qantas last year during COVID. Shalee will be mentored on the job by our very own 2007 Penola Catholic College graduate Jason Odisho. This is a blessing in many ways.

Shalee has been able to secure this opportunity through the ANZ’s Reconciliation Action Plan, ironically the date this newsletter is released coincides with the 1967 referendum.

The ANZ is proud of its commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and offers a basic cultural awareness program feel free to access. Click here.

Heading South East

Aaron Eastman participated in a Reece group online induction session last October with around 3 other students, all were hopeful of gaining a spot as a Reece school based trainee. Aaron becomes the fourth and final participant to gain a place, Aaron travels around an hour South East of his home on public transport to Reece.

Aaron also a keen footballer had to negotiate some alternative hours to work, so he could still run around for Airport West in the winter. As a result of this trade off Aaron uses his time effectively, working 1 full day and commencing the other half day at Reece, prior to utilising public transport to attend NCAT to complete his Certificate II in Plumbing.

Aaron has settled in well and is looking forward to his journey at Reece.

Betham joins LLEN

Tyra Betham wants to work in administration, Tyra became aware of a position at a local educational network, during the last school holidays and organised herself an interview during this period. Tyra’s role involves Administration and marketing.

Tyra has been fortunate enough to be involved in some pretty hands on marketing and project work early and has acquitted herself well. Tyra’s supervisor has been extremely impressed with her work ethic.


Alice in Hair land

Alice recently left VCE to pursue her immediate goal of becoming a hairdresser.

I recently visited Alice at her place of employment in Moonee Ponds, and yet again the employer was impressed by Alice’s willingness to participate and learn. Alice holds a Mannequin styling head and has been learning all the basics of hairdressing.

We hope this placement will put Alice in a strong position to be employed as an apprentice at the years end.

Year 10 VCAL Pre-Work experience week

The Year 10 Pre-Work experience program commences tomorrow, this is the first of its kind. Students will go to scheduled VCAL classes as normal, post this they will engage in an intense Pre-work program during their Homeroom and 7 periods outside their regular VCAL subjects.

The program will see them do basics like set alarm clocks, save important contact details, and prepare transport routes to work.