Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

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Shepparton TEC now in operation

The newly established Shepparton TEC now has 75 students enrolled across the eight trade areas of Automotive, Building, Cookery, Electrical, Engineering, Furnishing, Hairdressing and Plumbing.

Following two information evenings in December 2007 and January this year, interviews and enrolments commenced immediately with the first classes starting in February.

Secondary schools within the region are supporting the initiative by encouraging students interested in the TEC to make contact. Schools including Cobram Secondary College, Wanganui Park Secondary College, Notre Dame College and Shepparton High School have embraced the opportunity the Shepparton TEC will provide to their students.

Shepparton TEC Coordinator Vaughan Pattulock said, "These schools have shown a real willingness to work with us to develop effective student pathways into Certificate II qualifications, as well as the work placements the TEC will manage for them."

The Shepparton TEC has also drawn students from surrounding regions. Mr Pattulock explained, "We have students from Kyabram, Alexandra and Euroa attend the courses. Students undertake their Industry training each Wednesday and will also spend a week in the last week of each of their school terms for additional training. This way students will get through half of their Certificate II training this year."

Students undertake Structured Workplace Learning for a week of their holidays providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate to employers the skills they are picking up in class. "The intention is that if Apprenticeships become available, the Shepparton TEC students will be well placed to step into them," said Mr Pattulock.

"We are also in the process of creating a benchmark resume for our students that will become synonymous with the TEC for all job applications."

Shepparton TEC Employment Pathways Officer Narelle Lowe will be organising the first workforce placements at the end of March involving interviews with each student and analyses of which types of workplace would suit the individual students. "It is important to look at the young person's character, their presentation, experiences and character in order to best place them," said Ms Lowe.

Enrolments for the Shepparton TEC are being accepted until the end of March. To make an appointment with Mr Pattulock please phone 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468 233).