Unlocking Opportunities: How the VES Program Empowers Students Through Career Pathways

We are thrilled to share an update on the progress of our Vocational Early Start (VES) Pathway, a specialised program designed for our Stage 5 learners. The VES Program is focused on practical, real-world experience and nationally recognised qualifications. Here are some of the key features and recent highlights of the program:

Key Features of the VES Pathway:

• Achieving a Vocational Qualification: A core component of the Year 9 program is the Stage 5 Foundation Skills for Vocational Pathways course, which sees students work towards obtaining a Certificate I in Skills for Vocational Pathways. This qualification equips them with essential skills in language, literacy, numeracy, safety, and basic workplace preparation, setting a strong foundation for future employment or further study.

• Real-World Work Experience: The program is hands-on, incorporating three planned work experiences over the course of the year, alongside regular block days dedicated to industry visits. These opportunities expose students to various career paths and professional environments. As part of this, our students have been involved in work trials across various industries, including the electrical and telecommunications sector with NECA (National Electrical and Communications Association) at their Chullora NSW facility.

• Career Incursions: To broaden their understanding of diverse career opportunities, students have also participated in valuable incursions, such as the recent 'Careers in NSW Mines' event, where they learned about the high-tech, varied roles available in this critical state industry.

Program Success and Community Spirit

We are incredibly proud of the students' achievements beyond their vocational training. Most recently, the VES students successfully organised and executed a “Kebab- Snack Pack” fundraiser for charity. This initiative demonstrated their teamwork, leadership, and commitment to giving back to the community—all essential employability skills developed through the program.

Looking Ahead

By prioritising the development of practical skills and qualifications, we are seeing positive impacts on our students, including enhanced career prospects, improved self-esteem, and greater confidence in their abilities. The VES Pathway is effectively building a bridge for our students into the world of work, with the Year 10 stage aiming for fast-tracked VET courses and the potential for a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT).

We look forward to sharing more about the VES program’s journey throughout the year. Please contact St Joseph's pathway Planner, Dragana Zivkovic or VES Trainer, Robert Stojanovski, if you have any questions.