Growing numbers of students are choosing to combine work and school through a School Based New Apprenticeship. The program is a CGLLEN initiative supported by Coordinator Belinda Healy.

During 2004, there were several students from Ararat Community College, Stawell Secondary College, Marian College and Lake Bolac College doing a School Based New Apprenticeship (SBNA). These students were working part time, doing work related training and gaining credit for their work towards their VCE or VCAL.

Some of the students who have been involved in this program are:

• Anthony McCarthy from Marian College (pictured) who was working towards his Cert II in Horticulture at Ararat Retirement Village Anthony said the best thing about doing an SBNA was his two days a week at work which he really enjoys.
• Rory Kinane from Stawell Secondary College who was working towards his Cert II in Food Processing at Waacks Bakery. Rory said he would encourage a lot of students to do an SBNA.
• Tom James from Ararat Community College who was working towards his Cert II in Engineering Fabrications at AF Gasons Tom said the best thing about doing an SBNA was getting a certificate at the same time as doing school and cutting down the time of a full time apprenticeship.
• Amelia Sherman from Lake Bolac College who was working towards her Cert II in Horticulture at CY Landscaping. Amelia said her employer was very supportive of her and the program.

There are now 39 students participating in the program and CGLLEN has set a target of 60 by the end of 2005. This is a significant achievement for Belinda and her predecessor, Margi Cousins, considering there were no School Based New Apprentices in the region a year ago.

There has been great feedback from students and employers involved in the SBNA program during 2004. If you would like to know more about School Based New Apprenticeships please contact Belinda at LenZone! Ararat on 5352 3266.