Curriculum 
The Pathways Programs at Yarrawonga College P-12 (Secondary Campus) incorporate an ever evolving series of career related activities that are designed to meet the changing needs of the College’s student body. The commitment to design programs that meet the needs of both the students and industry ensures all programs offered are constantly reviewed. The face of employment in Australia is evolving rapidly and the College’s Senior Team is committed to continual development to meet these changing demands and ensure our students are well prepared for the challenges of the future.
Intervention Program
At Yarrawonga College P-12 (Secondary Campus) students at risk of leaving school early are identified by members of the Welfare Team and recommended to the Pathways Coordinator for inclusion in the Early Intervention Program. These students complete a series of interviews with a Youth Liaison Officer from The Apprenticeship Factory where they investigate their career interests and develop their career profile.
Smart Start
The Smart Start Program is an intensive Pathways introduction activity run for all students at the end of Year 9. This program is designed to introduce students to a variety of elements of the work programs the school offers and to introduce key elements they need to be aware of relating to future education and employment options. DEECD and industry employment requirements that are crucial to their involvement in school based employment programs are covered during this program. Students complete activities designed to increase awareness of occupational health and safety requirements, resume writing skills, interview techniques, dress codes for the work place, employment searches, training options and further education opportunities.
Work Placement
The Work Placement program is designed to introduce students to a variety of career options through involvement in the work force one day per week during their Year 10 program. It is common for students to trial a variety of jobs during the year as they develop their understanding of what is required to become a professional in that industry. This program is completed one day per week during the school term with the hours of employment determined by the type of industry they are involved in. Placements are secured through a network of local employers who support the development of key employment competencies in our students. The responsibility for obtaining a position is shared between the College Pathways Team, the student and the parents. This program is designed to assist students to gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge required to gain employment in a particular field. The ability to be involved in a series of different industry areas helps students to refine their goals for future employment and make informed decisions about their educational needs to achieve their goals. Involvement in this program can lead to further opportunities in School based Apprenticeships, VET courses, Apprenticeships and full time employment.
Work Experience
The Work Experience Program is designed to give students the opportunity to gain experience in a specific industry area they believe they may be suited to. The type and nature of employment can vary greatly depending on the interest of the student and the industry they are seeking employment in. This program sees students accessing major regional centres in the local area to gain access to large industries and government departments that employ a wider variety of professionals.
The ideal work experience placement should be within a professional field the student has a strong interest in and would be looking to pursue as they continue their education. The week long experience is designed to enable the student to experience as many aspects of the real employment situation as possible. The experience should assist them to make informed decisions about their future educational direction.
Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs)
All students involved in the senior year levels of Yarrawonga Secondary College are supported in the development of their Pathways Plan by members of the Senior School Team. The Pathways Plan is a document that grows with the student as they progress through the stages of their secondary education. It is designed to help them develop and refine their career goals to ensure they are developing all the necessary skills they need to achieve these career goals. Ultimately their MIP’s plan will lead them to employment or further education.
School Based Apprenticeships
School Based Apprenticeships enable students to combine their work placement with gaining TAFE qualifications whilst continuing their traditional school qualifications. The TAFE modules contribute to the achievement of their apprenticeship qualification and also gain credits for their VCAL or VCE studies. School Based Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of fields but are limited to the availability of willing host employers.
Traineeships
Traineeships enable students to combine their work placement with gaining TAFE qualifications whilst continuing their traditional school qualifications. The TAFE modules contribute to the achievement of their Trainee qualification and also gain credits for their VCAL or VCE studies. Traineeships are available in a wide variety of fields but are limited to the availability of willing host employers.
