McCarthy students skilled for life
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| Learning the basics of theatre make-up |
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| Landscaping outside the uniform shop |
McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains has 75 Year 9 and 10 students involved in a Career Education Lighthouse Schools Project; taking part in real-life work experience in areas such as hospitality, landscaping, construction and hair and beauty.
The project, funded by a $10,000 Federal Government grant has seen students using their Thursday afternoons to pick up a range of skills that will improve their chances in the post-school employment market. Careers adviser at the college, Heather Gwilliam runs the program and says the results have been outstanding.
‘The students are all so motivated and proud of what they achieve. The program offers students an alternative to traditional school learning and gives them a sense of what some of the options are for them once they leave school,’ Heather said.
The program has received significant support from the local community and Heather is quick to point out that the program would not be possible without such assistance. The Blue Mountains TAFE outreach program has provided a qualified make-up teacher; Jonelle’s Hair Design in St Mary’s has given 16 students work placements; and local builder, Peter Bryan, has assisted a student team with building a deck outside the college counsellor’s office to provide a quiet place for staff and students. The students themselves are full of praise for the program.
‘I did a work placement at Jonelle’s and it was a great experience. It’s now looking like I will have a hairdressing apprenticeship all ready to go for next year,’ says Year 10 student, Amanda Teuma.
Heather says the involvement of TAFE has added a valuable extra dimension to the program.
‘Having a course delivered by a TAFE teacher gives the students a chance to see how TAFE delivery is different from school and it helps them make their first links to an outside training provider. Students can make an informed decision then about their future study and career options based on real experience,’ said Heather.
Other projects have included paving sections of the school grounds and creating a garden to enhance the area around the college uniform shop. The hospitality and hair and beauty students will soon have the opportunity to put their skills to the test when the college hosts a cabaret night at the end of July, ‘McCarthy’s Shining Night’. Students will provide a two-course meal for up to 200 guests and others will do theatre hair and make-up for the performers on the night.
Term 3 will see a further development in the program with the college partnering with Skills West Centre, Penrith to offer a bricklaying course for students. Careers adviser, Heather Gwilliam says the program is going from strength to strength.
‘We have seen so many success stories already from this program, and I’m sure there will be many more to come,’ said Heather.
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| Hospitality students prepare for their role in the upcoming dinner cabaret night |
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| Heather Gwilliam, Talia Trusler a Year 12 cabaret performer and head of Performing Arts, Leigha Wills |