ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGEUNDER THE CARE OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY

Engagement with IndustrySt Columba’s College and

Fitted for Work

Greta Bajada and Kathy Hicks

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning at St Columba’s College

Overview:

• Catholic girls school in Essendon

• Small group of students- only 10 students

• There are three levels of the VCAL offered at St Columba’s College: Foundation, Intermediate and Senior. • Our main aims of our VCAL program is to tailor all of our projects to the interests of the students in the group

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning at St Columba’s College

VCAL Program at St Columba’s College:

Whilst studying the VCAL, students study 2 units of:• Literacy• Numeracy• Personal development• Work Related Skills • Industry Specific Skills • Theme based learningStudents also study 2 VCE units and a VET certificate as a part of the VCAL program.

Fitted for Work:

• Fitted for Work is a service committed to helping long term unemployed and disadvantaged women obtain work, maintain employment and ultimately achieve financial independence.

• A volunteer based organisation, Fitted for Work offers business clothing, presentation and interview skills as well as building self confidence and assisting women on their path to self sufficiency.

Fitted for Work:Creating Connections:

• Newspaper article in Herald Sun

• Viewed Fitted for Work website

• Connected the project to Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills

Fitted for Work:Creating Connections:

• Excursion to Fitted for Work (City)

• Started the drive (Promoted by the College Newsletter, Local newspaper, posters, collection boxes and canvassed local businesses for donations)

• Fashion Show

•Excursion to deliver the items

Fitted for Work:

Project Outcomes for Fitted for Work:

• Raised the profile of the organisation within our local community

• Collected a range of goods and funds to be used for the program

Fitted for Work:

Project Outcomes for St Columba’s College:• Developed a connection with Fitted for Work•Raised the profile of the VCAL program within the school and local community• Increased student understanding of a range of social issues• Improved self confidence and self esteem• Development of a range of networking and communication skills• Recipients of the Western Youth Futures Education and Industry VCAL Team Award for Excellence

Engagement with Industry

• We hope to continue to support Fitted for Work in the coming year by developing a Personal Development Skills project based on the needs of the organisation- eg. Hand Bag drive

Questions: