Kick-Starting Career Prospects at St John’s College, Lismore

Five Indigenous students at St John’s College, Lismore, are showing that hard work perseverance and determination can lead to positive career prospects by completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship during Years 11 and 12.

Students have the opportunity to start vocational training while at school through a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT’s). Five Indigenous students at St John’s College, Lismore, are showing that hard work perseverance and determination can lead to positive career prospects by completing an SBAT during Years 11 and 12.

• Aliya is working at Koori Mail, undertaking a Certificate III in Business.
• Braeden is currently completing his traineeship with a Certificate II in Agriculture.
• Megan is completing a Certificate in Retail (Community Pharmacy).
• Josh is currently completing a Certificate II in Business.
• Ethan is completing an Apprenticeship in Carpentry.

These proud Indigenous students are leading by example in their school community. Leader of Vocational Pathways Bernie Maginnity stated that, 'the College is proud of these students for the initiative they have shown to go out and secure their School-based apprenticeships and traineeships as well as the skills they are developing and their growing confidence.'

Megan has expressed this growing self-belief by acknowledging the positive outcomes from on the job experiences.

'I've gained knowledge about different areas of work and life, and I think this will really help me when I leave school,' said Megan.

These young Indigenous students share their positive experiences with their peers and encourage other Indigenous students to start their career planning. 

'It's an amazing learning opportunity, and I feel that it has opened up future careers and helped my learning,' said Josh.

Bernie summed up the positive experience that this has been for these young Indigenous students by stating, 'Watching their eyes light up when they talk about what they are learning, or things they have achieved in the workplace is simply priceless.'

Congratulations to all these students on their success so far, and we wish them all the best for their future career pathways.