The World of Work

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, it is my goal to share information to help improve the students understanding of the world of work and the options available to them when their time at CGS ends.

This week, I am focussing on apprenticeships and traineeships.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Whether you are looking to become a qualified tradesperson or want to gain hands-on experience in an area of interest, an apprenticeship or traineeship can provide a great pathway to your chosen career.

On completion of their studies at Casey Grammar School, not all students will transition into tertiary study and that is OK! In fact, a qualified tradesperson can earn great money, with recent data suggesting the average qualified tradespersons wage, across all trades, is $90,246.55. This compares favourably with the average Australian full-time wage of $1,635 a week reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in May 2019.

Four Advantages of an Apprenticeship or Traineeship

1. You earn while you learn

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid work with training, meaning you earn money while completing your qualification.

2. You can choose from a wide variety of interests

There are more than 500 training opportunities on offer to apprentices and trainees in areas such as agriculture, automotive, building and construction, business, food, hairdressing, information technology, and sport and recreation. Apprenticeships allow students to become qualified in a skilled trade, while traineeships offer vocational training in different fields.

3. Training is flexible

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be completed full-time or part-time and there is no set period of time allocated to training. Instead, training is competency-based, so you finish your training once you have reached a certain skill level. Apprenticeships usually take three to four years to complete. Traineeships usually last anywhere between six months and three years.

4. You will receive a nationally recognised qualification

In addition to practical work experience, apprentices and trainees also work towards gaining a nationally recognised VET qualification. This training is delivered at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as a TAFE institute. Some training is done on the work site with an Assessor coming and observing the apprentice or trainee.

Subject Selection Expo 2022 – Save the Date

On Tuesday, 24 May 2022 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, Casey Grammar School will hold a Subject Selection Expo. The event supports students to make informed subject selection decisions that align with their strengths, values, interests and career or tertiary aspirations.

The Expo will also provide parents and guardians with the opportunity to meet Department Heads and teaching and careers staff to enhance their understanding of subject and program options in Years 9, 10 and VCE and the labour market that their children are transitioning into.

Further information will be provided in Term 2 however I encourage you to ‘save the date’ of this important event.

Australian Defence Force Presentation

On Thursday, 10 March, two representatives from the Australian Defence Force visited the Casey Grammar School campus. Their visit was to provide students with an overview of the career pathways that exist with the Army, Navy and Air Force. Our students appreciated the opportunity to hear from Luke and Joel who are serving in the defence forces and they asked a lot of interesting questions. 

Emerson R (Year 11, Leaver) shares her insights of the presentation here:

‘Many of us enjoyed the presentation from the Defence Force last week. We learnt about new and exciting career opportunities; opportunities that come with great benefits. They emphasised the ‘perks’ that were involved in Defence careers, such as the strong bonds and friendships that are developed, the educational bonuses and the extensive leisure facilities available. Joel (Army) and Luke (Navy) were very engaging throughout the presentation and did a great job at enlightening many of the students to consider a career in the Defence Force.’

Sarah Blythman

Head of Careers and Student Pathways

s.blythman@caseygrammar.vic.edu.au