St Patrick’s Technical College last week celebrated the reMarkable milestone of 1000 apprenticeship and traineeship sign-ups in South Australia.

Three successful Year 12 Metals & Engineering students, Charlotte Simmons, Jordan Ranasinghe and Christopher Skelton, shared the title of 1000th Apprentice milestone.

The students, who have since commenced their trade in welding with employer Century Engineering, were introduced to the College community and several guests at a special ceremony held at the college last week.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, who attended the special ceremony said that he understood the sign-up is a unique undertaking for St Patrick’s Technical College and Century Engineering, with the three students signed at once with the same employer.

Mr Piccolo said he had been advised that as part of their school-based apprenticeships, the students will study Year 12 with the College, while working towards gaining their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), at the same time studying a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication.

“St Patrick’s has a very successful record in gaining apprenticeships and traineeships for their students,” Mr Piccolo said.

“Importantly though, while the college focusses on skill development they also invest in the student as a “whole person” through their pastoral program. “They want their students to have both great minds and great hearts.”

Principal of St Patrick’s Technical College, Mr Danny Deptula, says this is a significant milestone for the Year 11 & 12 specialist trade training school.

“Our 1000th sign-up demonstrates the importance of vocational education, hands-on learning and flexible study options to skill and prepare secondary school students for jobs now and of the future,” Mr Deptula said.

“Through our partnerships and programs with industry, employers, government and training providers, we provide students with the opportunities to develop the skills and capabilities required for current and future workplaces.”

“This approach has been crucial to the successful outcomes of apprentice and trainee sign-ups.”

The Edinburgh North based College opened in 2007 and Century Engineering is an Australian owned business providing a range of end-to-end engineering solutions and services in the same suburb.

For more information on programs centred around VET for secondary schooling, contact St Patrick’s Technical College on 8209 3700 or visit www.stpatstech.sa.edu.au and register for a tour or open event.