Resources
This page is designed to provide publications, links and information on career pathways, local support services and case studies.
Publications
Case Studies
Work Based Learning
Abagail, a Year 12 student from Concord School, commenced an SWL placement with Totally Reptiles in February 2021 as part of her VCAL studies. Concord is just one school across the Banyule and Nillumbik region with whom the BNLLEN works on programs focused on positive outcomes for students.
BNLLEN facilitated the match by promoting the opportunity, receiving and processing Abagail's application, providing assistance and advice through the interview and induction process, and offering ongoing support during the placement.
On the last day of the program, we visited Abagail and the team at Totally Reptiles to find out how the placement went.
While on placement at Totally Reptiles, Abagail has shown tremendous growth. Initially shy and scared of lizards, she has now become outgoing, talkative, and confident. Abagail hopes to continue her passion for animals by becoming a vet and possibly owning a lizard of her own.
Jodie, the manager and owner of Totally Reptiles, has been taking on students since 2017 and has created a positive, family-oriented environment. Totally Reptiles has accommodated over eight high school students and numerous university students, with two staying on as employees after their placements finished.
When asked about her experience, Abagail said, "I love it here. Everyone's so friendly and really treats you nicely." Jodie and Amy also praised her initiative and growth, which are vital in their environment. Abagail reflected on her progress, saying, "I am more responsible now; I was really shy when I started, but not so much anymore."
When asked if she would encourage other students to undertake an SWL, Abagail enthusiastically replied, "Yes! I've had such fun that I want to stay on."
Banyule & Nillumbik TAC L2P Program
Corrado comes from a sales engineering background in the compressed air industry in which he worked for around 30 years until he retired. However, Corrado is not one for sitting around and doing nothing, so after he retired he looked around for productive things to do with his free time.
Vic Roads had such a backlog of licence test applications after so many lockdowns that they were reaching out for additional licence testing officers. When Corrado heard about this he thought he would give it a try. As a result, he secured a six-month contract as a licence testing officer for Vic Roads. He worked as a licence testing officer at Bundoora and also spent time working at Box Hill.
Corrado also approached an Employment Services provider to check what options might be available. The job provider suggested he try volunteering and asked ‘what do you like doing?’. When Corrado replied ‘I like driving,’ volunteering with the L2P program was the obvious choice. Not only does Corrado bring his enthusiasm for driving to the program but also his valuable experience as a licence testing officer.
Corrado has been with the Banyule TAC L2P program for 18 months, and in that time, he has already mentored four students, all of whom successfully obtained their provisional licence. He is currently mentoring his fifth learner, a young man called Oliver.
Oliver moved out from his home and no longer had contact with his parents, consequently having no one to help him achieve the mandatory 120 hours. When he heard about the L2P program from people who host his current accommodation, he thought he should apply.
Oliver spent a month working with a professional driving instructor and was then matched with Corrado, excited about the opportunity to accumulate the 120 hours.
Corrado says that he doesn’t get the opportunity to meet a lot of young people except when he is sitting in the car next to them as part of this program. He really enjoys it because, ‘it gets me thinking differently than having to talk to adults all the time.’
His advice to potential volunteers is, ‘if you're looking to get a lot of self-satisfaction and meeting interesting people along the way, get involved in the L2P program.’
Links & Career Pathway Information
Nillumbik Intergenerational Cooking and Wellness Project Video, 2018
Many local Secondary Schools and Aged Care Services in the region have successfully collaborated as part of this project since 2006 (facilitated by BNLLEN). To hear about one of the project partnerships from staff and students at Diamond Valley College and Nillumbik Shire Council (2018), click here.
Career Pathway Resources
These Federal and Victorian Government websites contain resources to help students explore future career pathways.
- www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
- www.myfuture.edu.au
- www.joboutlook.gov.au
- www.jobjumpstart.gov.au
- www.masexperience.com.au
Vocational Pathways
These links provide schools, students and young people with information about a Vocational Educational and Training (VET) pathway.