Cred to Gen Z – Success in VET @ school
In the last couple of weeks I have been invited to present Diplomas and Business awards to my Diploma of Business Students at the Year 12 and the Year 11 and 10 presentation ceremonies at The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James.
I am not even going to apologise that I teared up a little (ok a lot) like it was my own kids. I teared up for a number of reasons but mostly because of absolute faith in our future and what Gen Z is bringing to the table and just so happy to be able to provide another pathway to their success and opportunities.
Tonight being the last day of school it had me reflecting on really how seriously awesome, inspiring and innovative Gen Z are.
Seriously Gen X. Do not discount these kids.
- I have kids completing a post school qualification while they finish senior and do all the extra curricular activities and well just being kids.
- I have kids completing a work ready program to complete senior when traditional pathways have not worked for them for what ever reason.
- I have kids that are paying for their own qualifications with second jobs because they have a passion and see the opportunities.
- I have kids that are completing a diploma in year 11 so they can start completing a university subject while they are in grade 12.
- I have kids that are using social media like Instagram to commercialise business opportunities.
- I have seen kids that are using their talents like music to create real business opportunities and run sophisticated eBusiness and marketing solutions that any business would be proud of.
- I have kids going down a trade path doing a diploma of business while they are doing their trade qualifications. Seriously who are the small businesses of the future if not them.
I often get asked constantly by schools, parents and the general community as whether school students are capable of this and I answer back every time absolutely !. When it is in a context of relevance they thrive.
In the last 5 years I have been fortunate to be able to deliver a Diploma of Business to school students at the Cathedral School while they have been at school, the last two with Learning Partnerships. It is such a beautiful school community with vision and understanding that there is a need to be more and do more to prepare the next generation for what will surely be a complete shift of industry, technology and job functions.
This year we also added a few more with the Annandale Christian College, Catholic Education, The Townsville Grammar School, and a number of other schools with our new work ready program including, Kirwan High School and Burdekin Catholic High School. I am really passionate about growing that. We need more schools and educators with this vision. My options with Learning partnerships are but just a few of many.
So without further delay the roll call for 2018. Congratulations to students completed and to those still in progress see you next year. You are amazing and don’t let anything dull your star.
Business Awards
- Stephanie Jenert – Business Excellence Award
- Danielle Drazic – Business Encouragement Award
- Keirleigh Drane – Business Encouragement Award
- Arden Emery – Business Encouragement Award
- Lauren Franzmann – Business Encouragement Award
- Jeanette Kotzee – Business Encouragement Award
- Megan Tschumy – Business Encouragement Award
Diploma of Business
- Taylah Barnes
- Bronte Blackwood
- Wesley Brewer
- Danielle Drazic
- Keirleigh Drane
- James Honeycombe
- Arden Emery
- Ben Forster
- Lauren Franzmann
- Connor Gilchrist
- Dean Hobson
- Johanna Holt
- Stephanie Jenert
- Isabel Kotzee
- Jeanette Kotzee
- Chelsea Lillecrapp
- Caitlin Midson
- Anya Myers-Gommers
- Alice Schneider
- Ammie Stephenson
- Meghan Tschumy
Certificate III Business Administration (Medical Administration)
- Danielle Drazic
Work Ready
- Blair Retalick
- Mitchel Cole
- Clark Casey
- Aaliyah D’Aguiar
- Sarah Merett
- Satrack Neliman
- Trakium Prior-Barry
- Meckenzie Orchard
Also I would like to roll call the magic makers. The teachers and educators that take a leap and try something new.
Katrina Wilshire, Ian Gammack, Beth Gilpatrick, Trent Engel, Elizabeth Hennig, Shane Myers, Nancy Watson, Malcom Schneider and all the other passionate educators that understand this and provide so many pathways and making this happen for your kids.
Bring on 2019
