On Tuesday 17th of June The Assistant Minister for Education, The Hon Sussan Ley, MP announced the recipients of The Australian Vocational Student Prize for 2013. Two students from St Andrews College, Alex Agaciak and Patrick Casim were recognised for their exceptional achievements in their Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.
The Australian Vocational Student Prize gives students national recognition for their achievements in Vocational Training completed as part of their Higher School Certificate. In 2012 and 2013 Alex studied VET Entertainment and Patrick studied VET Hospitality.
Alex and Patrick graduated from St Andrews College in 2013 and are currently enrolled in university. Alex is studying a Bachelor of Stage and Screen, specialising in Television Production at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Patrick is studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology, Sydney.
I had the pleasure to speak with Alex and Patrick about their success and their Australian Vocational Student Prize during the July holidays. Below are some of the comments they shared with me.
Alex Agaciak
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I chose to do a VET course as part of my HSC because of two main benefits; one being able to study a subject with content that I have a major personal interest in and the other completing a Certificate III. A genuine ‘win-win’ situation!
What skills did you find most useful in your VET course?
I have gained many skills throughout my VET course, but the communication skills that I have developed have been very helpful in all aspects of my life.
Would you recommend that students study a VET course as part of their HSC? If yes, why do you think a VET course is beneficial?
I would highly recommend students to study a VET course. VET courses provide opportunities that are very beneficial, such as work placements and an industry qualification when you finish the course.
Which work placement did you enjoy the most, and why?
All my work placements were very interesting, and I definitely enjoyed all of them. The ones that stood out the most were The Easter Show, and our very own Creative Arts Night (CAN). I learnt a lot through these placements, and they were very close to what you would face in the industry.
What skills did you develop or expand on in the workplace?
Through all of my work placements, my knowledge and experience expanded. My knowledge of different equipment was broadened and my employability skills were reinforced after each placement.
What do you hope to do after you complete your degree?
I hope to gain a job in the television industry after completing my course. My ultimate goal is to become a Television Director or Television Producer in the future.
Patrick Casim
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I chose a VET course because I wanted to broaden my learning opportunity. VET Hospitality gave me the opportunity to develop employability skills and gain industry experience.
What skills did you find most useful in your VET course?
The skills often known as soft skills or employability skills such as problem solving, team work, leadership and communication skills, and of course quality cooking and kitchen skills.
Would you recommend that students study a VET course as part of their HSC? If yes, why do you think a VET course is beneficial?
I highly recommend that students consider studying a VET course for their HSC; it’s a completely different learning experience to all other non-VET subjects. The employability skills you gain are highly valued by employers, in fact they are often considered above academic qualifications.
Which work placement did you enjoy the most, and why?
My favourite work placement was working at Luna Park’s Crystal Palace Functions and Events Centre. It was one of my most memorable experiences of my HSC year, as I learnt from some of the finest hospitality mentors and made many friendships, which are still ongoing today! I was also given the opportunity to waiter for one of their functions. I was able to use the skills I learnt in class in a vibrant workplace.
What skills did you develop or expand on in the workplace?
I developed a greater sense of perseverance, particularly after setting the entire function centre’s tables with all the cutlery and glassware, chairs and napkins for the evening’s event all alone! I also developed various administration skills, working in the offices of Luna Park, assisting with time sheets and balancing employees’ rosters.
What do you hope to do after you complete your degree?
After completing my degree, I hope to gain employment with one of the top accounting firms or in finance. Perhaps go travelling before I begin working full-time.
The St Andrews College community wishes to congratulate Alex and Patrick on being recognised by the Australian Government for their hard work and dedication to their VET course. This Prize also recognizes the dedication of our VET Teachers, Ms Henrietta Stathopoulos, Mrs Michelle Trefler and Mrs Carmen Barbara.