Finding employment in a suitable career is one thing Brigham Archibald won’t have to worry about when he finishes secondary school later this year, thanks to the pathways offered at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
The 16-year-old Centralian Senior Secondary College student is perhaps the youngest in the NT to study a Diploma in Children’s Services through CDU, after successfully completing a Certificate III in Childcare as a School Based New Apprentice.
He’s now moved into a part-time apprenticeship working at the Little Antz childcare centre in Alice Springs.
Brigham spends one day a week at school, three days at work and two partial days at CDU, studying his diploma as well as a Certificate II in Information Technology.
He will have permanent full-time employment with Little Antz after he completes his NT Certificate of Education (NTCE) at Centralian Senior Secondary College.
CDU’s coordinator of Pathways Karrina Betschart said more and more students were taking advantage of the opportunities to gain credit towards their NTCE and further study while still at school.
“CDU will be delivering well over 60 VETiS programs in 2006 including schools in remote communities across the NT from Alpurrulum to Gunbalanya,” she said.
Brigham said childcare was a natural career choice for him because his mother had worked in the industry for 37 years.
“I like working with children, they’re great,” he said.
Brigham said he would recommend School-Based New Apprenticeships for students who were clear about their career goals.
“You’ve got a job, you’re being paid and trained while you’re doing it so it all just fits,” he said.
Flexibility was a key element in prompting Brigham to take the Pathways approach to his career.
“I didn’t want to do subjects that didn’t get me anywhere. This is just like school work—just based on a career.”
For more information about VET Pathways offered through Charles Darwin University, contact Karrina Betschart on 08 8959 5298.