Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Crocodylus World Practice Firm was again in the news recently—this time Channel 10 Brisbane flew to Darwin to cover a story on the innovative VET in Schools programs for school-based students and school-leavers.
The Channel 10 crew filmed in the award-winning Crocodylus World Practice Firm at Casuarina Campus and at Crocodylus Park, the business partner in late August.
Indigenous students from Kormilda College, currently undertaking Certificate I in Local Government, and students from Dripstone High School and Darwin High School, currently undertaking Certificate I in Business and Certificate I in Transport and Distribution (Administration) participated.
The students also studied in the TOLL Virtual NT Practice Firm, which was recently established to provide training in the transport, distribution and logistics fields. The business partner, the TOLL group of companies, includes IPEC and NQX, supported by TDT Australia and Northern Territory.
Business partner, Crocodylus Park, hosted additional filming where owners Grahame and Giovanna Webb instructed the students and provided a short talk.
The students said what a great learning experience it was and have enthusiastically written individual newsletters about what benefits they gained from the event to take back to their schools. One student said, “It was so cool - much better than learning at school, we get to do real things and learn by that.”
The practice firm environment has been a positive experience for the school-aged students who took part; absences are rare and enthusiasm to participate in activities constant. Both business partners are eager to encourage the students, and give them hands-on experience, industry visits, apprenticeship opportunities and employment when an opening occurs.
Other courses in the practice firm environment include Certificates II, III, IV and Diploma in Business and Business (Administration). A new full-time course in Certificate I and II in Transport and Distribution (Administration) will commence in October.
All enquiries to Bev Luke, Course Coordinator, on 8946 6063 or email bev.luke@cdu.edu.au.