Yesterday afternoon, a little after 4pm, St Patrick’s Technical College Year 12 Metals & Engineering student, Luke Forrest, become the College’s 600th apprentice.
Luke has been signed as a metal fabrication apprentice by Stratco. He will complete this year in our unique school-based apprenticeship program, before transitioning to full-time employment upon his graduation in November.
The sign-up was managed by Bridget Dunkin from the MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre and St Patrick’s Technical College Industry Relations Manager, Jim Montgomery.
Others attending the sign up included Stratco State General Manager, Michael Olszewski, HR Manager, Albert Camilleri and St Patrick’s Technical College Principal, Rob Thomas.
This marks an obvious and significant milestone in the relatively short history of St Patrick’s Technical College. When the school commenced operations in 2007, there was only one school-based apprentice employed in South Australia in any of the trades covered by our specialist school and its programs.
“To achieve 600 employment outcomes in the past 7½ years is a remarkable achievement for which our staff and directors (past and present), Catholic Education SA and those involved in the (now defunct) Australian Technical Colleges initiative are and should be justifiably proud,” commented St Patrick’s Business Development Manager, Patrick Kelly.
“It is a testament to the hard work and initiative shown by so many working towards the aims of providing young people with meaningful skills and a relevant school education, assisting them into the world of employment and meeting the workforce needs of employers in northern Adelaide.”