At technical colleges, learning extends beyond the classroom, with students in years 10 to 12 taking part in regular work experience and mentoring with industry experts.

Hear from Stella, a year 11 Early Childhood and Education student at The Heights Technical College.

Tell us about the Early Childhood and Education training program.

We study compulsory subjects including AIF (Activating Identities and Futures), literacy and numeracy, but also have TAFE two days a week and work placement once a week. I'm doing placement at Dernancourt Kindergarten and it’s great. It’s giving me lots of hands-on experience which is making me feel more confident.

How are technical colleges different?

It's less structure, but in a good way.  There's a lot of support around what we’re doing and it's helping us get that next step forward into a career.

Tell us about the teachers and trainers. 

We have great teachers and trainers with relevant industry experience. One of our teachers used to be a director at a childcare centre and she's really good at what she does – she's very supportive and helpful. Our TAFE lecturer is great too – she makes learning really fun and inclusive for everyone.

What do you enjoy about studying here?

The learning is individualised. Our teachers and trainers look at our skills and use that to help with our learning and career pathway.

Students can complete an Industry Learning Program in Early Childhood and Education at The Heights, Findon, and Limestone Coast technical colleges.