The CareerLink program at Hale sees students spend the equivalent of one day per week in the workplace or on a training course. They are required to complete a set of skills which are identified by industry and education and maintain a daily record of these skills by completing entries in a Log Book, endorsed by the workplace supervisor. They must complete 120 hours. The students are then assessed by workplace supervisors.
Hale students engaged with programmes ranging from Business to Electro technology and all students completed either full or partial certificates by the middle of Term 2. Work placements included PE teaching assistant, roof carpentry, cabinet making, air conditioning prefabrication and even antiques restoration. In many instances the students have been offered apprenticeships in their chosen field.
Since 2000 Westscheme, who also backs the Beazley Medal, sponsors the Award for Excellence in Vocational Education and Training in schools across Western Australia. Howard Rosario Chief Executive of Westscheme says, “ We believe that our schools’ VET programs are a fertile ground for the development of the next generation of Australia’s workforce and that skilled VET graduates are a vital resource for WA’s business and industry sectors.”
Year 12 Paddy Barber has been awarded the WestScheme prize for the student with the most outstanding record of achievement in Vocational and Educational Training in the Building and Construction course for 2009. He will be presented with a medal and a monetary prize for his worthy efforts at Speech Day. His workplace supervisors gave him an outstanding report backed up with a strong academic performance throughout the year.
A number of Hale students now have the opportunity to pursue university courses through alternative entry programmes after completing CareerLink and graduating from TAFEWA.
