Three Victoria Point High School have their career paths already mapped out after recently taking out significant awards in the South East Queensland school based apprenticeships and trainee awards.
Steven Taylor, 17, of Macleay Island took out the Indigenous school based Apprentice of the Year for South East Queensland and the school based Apprentice of the Year for the Redlands. Steven started attending Gold Coast TAFE in Year 10 and will work as a full time apprentice for Quinn Plumbing on Macleay Island next year, having already completed 30 per cent of his apprenticeship.
Steven said he enjoyed the physical side of the work and the fact that there was always plenty to do.
Aaron Wolstenholmes, 17, of Macleay Island also attends Gold Coast TAFE and is an apprentice in marine craft for Riviera. He took out the achievement award, a major award with prize money of $400.
Aaron said he grew up with boats and always had a passion for the water. He is currently building for himself an 18 foot cruise craft.
At Riviera, he is working on the 36 and 45 foot line.
“I am lucky I am able to make my passion my job. I like the hands on activity and seeing the finished product,” he said.
Danielle Robinson, 17, of Redland Bay was a finalist for Redlands trainee of the year, working at Grasshoppers, Redland Bay in childcare. Next year, she hopes to study a Diploma in Youth Work at TAFE.
Industry Liaison Officer Wendy Trow said her reward was in seeing the success of the students. She was also honoured as Industry Liaison officer of the year for Redlands. Last year Ms Trow won the Industry Liaison Officer of the Year for South East Queensland. Victoria Point State High School also won school of the year for the Redland region.
“She puts a lot of effort into getting us into places,” Aaron said.
“She always has the energy to talk to us and will help out everyone,” Steven said.
“She has a passion for the job. She’s very dedicated,” Danielle said.
School principal Scott Steindart said the achievements of these students and of Ms Trow was outstanding and a credit to the school, its families and the community.
“Ms Trow plays a significant role in the fabric of this school. This program of school based trainees is an example of what schools can do in terms of preparing young people for life outside the school environment,” he said.
