VET in Schools gives Hayley’s career a headstart
01 April 2003
Hayley Hoctor.
Some teenagers will do anything to get out of going to school. Hayley Hoctor from Westmeadows, winner of Kangan Batman TAFE’s Outstanding VET in Schools Student Award, was no different.
She admits that getting out of school one day-a-week to attend TAFE classes was part of the appeal of the VET in Schools program for her.
VET in Schools enables students to complete nationally-accredited vocational education and training (VET) during their secondary schooling.
If secondary schools do not have the required equipment or teaching expertise to deliver a particular VET program, they engage a Registered Training Organisation such as Kangan Batman TAFE to provide the training for their students.
Hayley completed the Office Administration VET in Schools program at Kangan Batman TAFE during both Year 11 and 12 of her VCE at Gladstone Park Secondary College.
“I loved going to TAFE because it was something new and a bit of a challenge,” Hayley says. “It gave me a break from school and I got to meet new people. I also think it made me more confident and independent.”
Hayley excelled in her VET program, which covered typing, filing, receptionist skills, use of office equipment, and other organisational and administrative skills. She received an A+ on her final exam and an A overall.
More importantly, Hayley, now 18, believes the program was a key factor in her gaining her first full-time position so soon after finishing her VCE.
Hayley loves her job as a receptionist with Moonee Ponds-based accountants Knott Jones and Associates, and plans to further her business knowledge through more study in the future.
Hayley is now a keen supporter of the VET in Schools program, and urges other secondary students to consider its benefits.
“I think schools need to better promote VET in Schools as an option for students. I knew about it because my sister had done the program, but many students haven’t heard of it.”
“I’d definitely recommend VET in Schools, because I think it put me ahead of other VCE graduates in finding a job. It means you leave school with both your VCE and a TAFE qualification up your sleeve.”
Kangan Batman TAFE has 24,000 students across its six campuses in Broadmeadows, Moreland, Richmond, Coburg, Avondale Heights and Essendon.
Each year in May, Kangan Batman TAFE conducts two graduation ceremonies at the Moonee Valley Racecourse to accommodate all of its graduates and award-winning students.
The first ceremony, at which Hayley will receive her award, will be held on Friday 2 May. The Hume City Council is the major of the ceremony, while Broadmeadows Town Centre is the supporting sponsor.
Hayley Hoctor has won the following award:
- Outstanding VET in Schools Student Award
