Year 9 students from five schools (Newcomb Secondary College, Bellarine Secondary College, Western Heights College, Belmont Secondary College and Northern Bay P-12 College) undertake 4 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. The program is a mix of theoretical and practical components. The theoretical Work Skills components are undertaken online by students in their home school classroom (consisting of two accredited units covering communication and workplace health and safety). Four days (including a half day of introduction/induction) are allocated to students to undertake six different Career Previews from a selection of 30 pathways on offer, either at the City or East Campus of The Gordon TAFE.
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
Over 500 Year 9 students participate in the program each year
Students attend The Gordon TAFE for four days
Students complete two Work Skills units to build their employability skills.
​Students select six in depth Preview Courses from 30 different tertiary options. The options are very broad in scope and range from Graphic Design to Conservation and Land Management, Early Childhood and Care, Allied Health, Engineering, Automotive - Panel & Paint, Carpentry, Plumbing and Cookery to name but a few
The experience of this program highlights to students the importance of continuing their education to gain meaningful employment. Participating schools affirm the value the initiative adds to students’ aspirations for pathways to future employment, integrating the initiatives into their Year 9 careers programs. Student survey results show that:
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