Three years on from the first intake, Minda’s school-based traineeship program has welcomed 16 new students and there are now plans for expansion in the years ahead.
The trainees are studying CHC33015 Certificate III Individual Support (Disability) through the SA Learning Centre which, along with Minda, has been recognised by stakeholders and external partners as being leaders in the school-based traineeship space.
SA Learning Centre VETiS Coordinator Tim Koster says in addition to the school-based trainees, SALC (RTO 4881) is training 16 additional students on a standard VET in School pathway at Hamilton Secondary College.
“Twenty-two schools across the private and public sectors are currently engaged with SALC’s school-based training programs,” Tim says.
“We have also been invited to engage as part an industry reference group with the Education Department along with other organisations about the expansion of school-based training programs.”
We’re just starting out with the first of our corporate induction but I’m keen to get a good look at the bigger picture of needs of individuals and to get a better understanding of more complex needs.
With the support of trainer Charlotte Dawe and placement co-ordinator Debi Carr, the latest intake of students has begun the induction program including Urrbrae High School Year 12 student Chelsea.
“My mum is a support worker and I have seen when she comes home and how it makes her feel whether she has a good day or a bad day she is still making a difference,” Chelsea says.
“I would love to be able to work in the field and to advocate for people.
“I have a particular interest in speech pathology or educational development particularly in primary schools because I know primary schools in particular need that kind of support.”
The group was initially part of a late-2020 intake, however COVID-19 complications affected the induction process, and now Chelsea is keen to get on with the learning.
“We’re just starting out with the first of our corporate induction but I’m keen to get a good look at the bigger picture of needs of individuals and to get a better understanding of more complex needs.”
VETiS programs are undertaken by school students as part of the senior secondary certificate. Credit gained from a nationally recognised VET qualification within the Australian Qualifications Framework count towards students’ SACE credits.
Anyone interested in further information about VETiS can get in touch with SALC.
Phone: 8209 2800
Website: www.salearningcentre.com.au
Email: salc@minda.asn.au
