Geelong Tertiary Futures Program

Equipping Year 9 students for education and training pathways to a working future.

Year 9 students from four schools (Newcomb Secondary College, Bellarine Secondary College, Western Heights College and Northern Bay P-12 College) undertake 10 full days of orientation to tertiary courses leading to future employment.

Delivered by The Gordon, students are provided with an in-depth preview of a broad range of tertiary studies.  This helps clarify their aspirations for future employment as well as building employability skills. 
 
Five days are allocated to the completion of two units of the Certificate I in Employment Pathways and five days are allocated for students to undertake five Preview Courses from a selection of 30 pathways on offer.   

Aims of the Geelong Tertiary Futures Program

• To better equip Year 9 students to identify education and work opportunities as they chart their pathway to the future beyond school

• To improve students’ understanding that continuing education is essential for their future economic, employment aspirations and general wellbeing

• To increase levels of educational attainment and school retention

• Strengthen the culture of life-long-learning in the Geelong region

For more information see Geelong Tertiary Futures Program

Fast Facts:

• 1,215 Year 9 students from 4 schools have undertaken the program over 2015 – 2017

• Students attend The Gordon for 10 full days

• Students complete two units of the Employment Pathways Certificate I to build their employability skills

• Students select five in depth Preview Courses from 30 different tertiary options.  The options are very broad in scope and range from Digital Games and Coding to Conservation and Land Management, Children’s Services, Allied Health, Engineering, Automotive Collision Repair, Carpentry, Plumbing and Fashion to name but a few.

Highlights so far (2015 – 2017)

Students often reflect that their confidence to tackle further education has risen along with the importance of continuing their education to gain meaningful employment as a result of their participation in the initiative.
Student survey results show that:

• 84% have a significantly improved understanding of what employers want
• 90% of students have a significantly improved knowledge of tertiary pathways
• 76% of students indicate they feel better prepared for a future career

The four participating schools have strongly affirmed the value the initiative adds to students’ awareness of and aspirations for pathways to future employment, so much so they have fully integrated the initiative into their respective Year 9 careers programs.

To register your interest or stay informed about the program, please enter your details here:


 
Please contact Chris Goy cgoy@gordontafe.edu.au for more information.