The Next Step 2014.indd - Bendigo Senior Secondary College

SBAT
School based Apprenticeships &
SBATTraineeships and Work Placement.
SBATs
School Based Apprenticeships and
Traineeships allow for the completion of
on-the-job training, within a VCE or VCAL
learning program. Students complete
a VET certificate course through the
assessment of the included competencies
undertaken in the workplace. SBATs
require an average of 15 hours of work
each week. A significant number of
these hours can be completed during
the school week. During non-work days,
students attend school and undertake a
combination of VCE and/or VCAL subjects
to complete a senior schooling certificate.
SBATs are managed by apprenticeship
centres such as CVGT or VECCI. In
conjunction with the college and the
employer they work to ensure that the
balance between work, training and school
is manageable for students and leads to
success in both areas. SBATs are a great
pathway to some fields of employment.
BSSC students undertake SBATs in areas
such as Building and Construction,
Automotive, Engineering, Community
Services (Aged Care), Hospitality,
Information Technology, Business
Administration, Retail Sales (Operations), as
well as other fields. SBAT opportunities can
come through advertisements or directly
from employers. For more information
contact the BSSC Vocational Learning
Manager, Jennifer Moloney.
Work Placement
Structured Workplace Learning is a core
component of many VET courses, Industry
& Enterprise (a VCE subject), and VCAL.
Placements can increase employability,
improve self-esteem, motivation, and
provide an opportunity for students to
acquire technical skills and knowledge.
Career choices are often made clear as a
result of workplace experiences.
Students anticipating further study are also
encouraged to take advantage of the work
experience program. Work experience is
recommended in order for students to
gain a greater knowledge of employment
opportunities or specialisations. Student
safety is very important in the organisation
of placements. Students are required to
complete Occupational Health & Safety
education programs prior to commencing
a placement and employers are required to
satisfy requirements of occupational health
and safety legislation in their workplace
to ensure the student’s experience is a
positive one.
Bendigo Senior Secondary College relies
heavily on the goodwill of employers
and community organisations in the
region. Parents can also assist students
with organising work placements by
using personal and professional networks.
Students are encouraged to commence
arrangements for placement early in the
school year.
For assistance with placements or any
other enquiries please contact the
BSSC Work Placement Coordinators,
Kerry Weymouth or Rhonda Pithie.
The Horizons website is a useful place to
start looking for workplace opportunities.
www.careerhorizons.com.au
NETschool
NETschool is a campus of
Bendigo Senior Secondary
College.
NETschool is a highly personalised
alternative educational setting for students
aged 15 to 19 who feel they are unable to
continue with, or return to, mainstream
schooling but have a strong desire to
complete formal education or training.
Referral to NETschool
All potential Learners and their parent/
carer(s) meet with the campus Facilitator
to establish their initial suitability to the
program. Learners may then be invited
to participate in a ‘taster’: a morning of
workshops and activities centred on
NETschool values and practices. Suitable
candidates are wait-listed or offered a
placement (with a trial period) in one of five
mentor groups.
Learning at NETschool
Learners’ have weekly opportunities
to participate in many extra-curricular
activities: art exhibitions, metal-bending,
drum-beat, cycling, gardening, circuit
training, etc.
Mentors assist each learner to plan their
learning around real world issues of
personal interest to themselves, their family,
or peers; called Research-based Learning.
Learners formerly communicate what
they have learned to a suitable audience.
This success builds confidence to engage
in more formal learning opportunities.
Consequently, learners may go on to
complete units from the VCAL, VET, and VCE
through BSSC or TAFE.
Mentors support each learner by:
• Nurturing wellbeing and building
resilience;
• Building motivation and a desire to succeed;
• Developing independent thinking and
learning skills;
• Developing self-confidence and a clear
sense of self-worth;
• Helping learners to make positive
choices and changes in their lives;
• Encouraging participation in and
contribution to their community.
NETschool is located at 26 Williamson
Street, Bendigo. Enquiries can be made
by contacting: Anton Van Maanen,
Team Facilitator Phone: 5441 8504
or via www.netschoolbendigo.vic.edu.au
Bendigo Senior Secondary College | The Next Step 2014 | 7