Media releases
School-Based Apprentices and Trainees paving the way for their future careers
• Molly Daly, SBA of the year recipient from St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba with Karon Cumnor from Westridge Florist
In a turbulent year for so many businesses, 120 Year 12 students from across Toowoomba Catholic schools have been supported by local firms to complete a School-Based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAs). As a result, many of these students have been offered full-time jobs in those fields or early University placements.
“SBAs provide our students with the opportunity to start their trade career, earn money while undertaking a nationally recognised qualification, to attract points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education and recognition in their ATAR calculation. Most importantly though, they acquire the employability skills in a real workplace which in turn opens up express pathways to employment,” said Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Catholic Schools.
“With employers across the Diocese assisting with the practical ‘on the job’ tasks and workplace supervision; and Registered Training Organisations supporting the ‘theory’ side of the qualifications, our students are well supported and we thank them for all they do.”
“The motivating and mentoring of our young people as they work towards their future goals and the realistic exposure to work is invaluable.”
“We are very proud of our young people’s ability to balance their work commitments, school study and training obligations, along with sporting achievements, school leadership roles, charity work, and even a social life – particularly this year with COVID restrictions. Their commitment and dedication is to be commended,” said Dr Coughlan.
Each year Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office: SBA program sponsors an ‘SBA of the Year award’. The recipients display excellence in their workplace, successfully complete all school subjects and achieve the competency in training modules.
2020 SBA of the Year recipients
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Assumption College, Warwick |
Lachlan Venz |
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Downlands College, Toowoomba |
Daniel Schmaling |
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Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby |
Amy Walker |
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St John’s School, Roma |
Patrick McCoy |
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St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba |
Lachlan Meacle |
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St Joseph’s School, Stanthorpe |
Lara Beckett |
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St Mary’s College, Toowoomba |
Ty Baker |
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St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba |
Mollie Daly |
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St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba |
Matilda Reid |
Brendan Seawright from Mounts Machinery and SBA of the year recipient from St John’s School, Roma, Patrick McCoy