When students are empowered to explore diverse career pathways, they’re more likely to stay engaged and succeed.
Mandurah Baptist College Pathways Coordinator Michelle Lucas is seeing first-hand how collaboration with Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) is helping students make informed decisions about their futures.
With timely advice, practical resources and strong communication, ASA has become a partner in guiding students at the college into school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
Lucas shares how this collaboration has not only supported educators, but also helped students like one Year 12 apprentice who has found a meaningful way to stay in school while starting a career.
Name: Michelle Lucas
Role/Position: Pathways Coordinator
Company: Mandurah Baptist College
How would you describe your experience working with ASA to support your students?
Over the years ASA has quickly followed up, advised and provided information on student opportunities. They are professional and work in a very timely manner so that our students do not miss out on anything. Communication is key and they have been outstanding in the area.
In what ways has ASA made it easier to guide students into school-based apprenticeships or traineeships?
Information and opportunities shared by ASA allow us to start conversations about apprenticeships and traineeships with students. Parent and student presentations have been informative and helpful in opening up eyes of what opportunities are out there.
Can you share an example of how ASA supported a student who needed extra help or guidance?
ASA has provided much support for our students – the most recent example would be the signing up of a school-based apprentice. The student did not see the relevance of completing Year 12, while his parents wanted him to finish. ASA was able to encourage the student to explore school-based apprenticeship options and communicated with the employer. As a result, he is finishing school and has started his apprenticeship.
What feedback have you received from students or parents about the support provided by ASA?
The only feedback is positive. Easy people to work with, they can provide relevant information and opportunities to the students and parents.
How has ASA supported the college in engaging students with VET pathways?
Our program is about making individual pathways that are relevant to every student. By having the support of ASA, we can tailor pathways to our students and give them opportunities that they may not have been aware of.
