Geraldton Senior High School offers many programs to engage youth and cater to their individual needs in order they may discover their potential and develop skills.
One of these is the Skilling Through Enterprise Program – STEP. A group of up to 24 students may apply to enter through interview, into a specially designed alternative Year 11 course that combines academics with real life practical experiences. The students are interested in gaining a career in trades and flourish through hands-on experiences.
Unique aspects of the STEP program that contribute to the students success include:
- All school classes are run within the STEP classroom. Students remain within the STEP facility all day and are free to mix in the main part of the school at breaks.
- One go-to person for parents, students and community members such as employers. The program is overseen by a coordinator who sets the curriculum, teaches in the classroom and workshop, has much contact with parents, employees and community members and generally assists the students in all matters school related and some matters that aren’t school related.
- All students complete a Certificate II within the year – Metal Fabrication or Building Trades. One day per week off the school site with an external provider such as Central Regional TAFE
- 1 day per week work experience in a field of their choice – students can also change their placements to experience varied workplaces.
- Focus on Literacy and Numeracy at school.
- Parents and caregivers are welcomed to meet with the STEP Coordinator to discuss aspects of their teenager’s progress – even at short notice or before school. Students, parents and community members have the direct mobile number of the Coordinator.
- Many students gain meaningful employment before the end of the year.
The course operates out of a discrete facility on the Shenton St side of the school campus. This discrete ownership complements the STEP model of delivery where students enter as employees into a model enterprise to practice business skills, etiquette, hospitality, interview skills and customer service while developing trade skills in wood and metal work. The STEP class often undertakes a project to make something such as hockey goals or park benches for the school, or an access ramp at a local club. This enables students to be exposed to the widest range of new work environments and to develop new skills, whilst keeping the costs down.
A team of dedicated staff has guided and developed STEP over twenty years to it becoming an “island of excellence”. They round off the program by sharing their own personal experiences, organizing excursions to real worksites and using facilities at Geraldton Regional Trade Training Center and Central Regional TAFE.
The program has run continuously since 1993 and its graduates have enjoyed great success. Many move into apprenticeships, further education such as Year 12, pre-apprenticeship programs, or the workforce. Over the years, the success stories of graduates grow with many developing careers in management and supervisory roles.
If this program may suit your child please contact a Deputy Principal at Geraldton Senior High School on 08 9965 8400 for eligibility requirements and interview.