TAFE student Wodonga's Young Citizen of the Year 2019

Thursday, 7 March 2019

Wodonga TAFE student, Sheldon Smith, has been honoured with the award for Wodonga’s Young Citizen of the year 2019 by Wodonga Council.

Quoted by the Border Mail as a ‘youth role model’ who also ‘received the Queen Scout Award back in 2017 which is the highest possible award in venturer scouting,’ Sheldon also exhibits a high level of community involvement with his volunteer work for Interchange, helping and socialising with children who have disabilities.

While at Wodonga TAFE, Sheldon studied the Certificate IV in Education and Support and the Certificate IV in Disability.

“I chose to do the Certificate IV in Education Support course at Wodonga TAFE as it included the opportunity to complete an additional certificate, the Certificate IV in Disability as well.” The benefit of a double certificate opens up more opportunities for employment upon completion.

The Certificate IV in Education Support requires students to complete 120 hours of placement within the course structure with the outcomes as follows:

• To apply knowledge and skills learned during your studies in the workplace;
• To become familiar with employers’ expectations;
• To increase your employment options and employability skills; and
• To gain skills that are recognised by industry
• To make contact with employers.

For this component of his studies, Sheldon completed part of his placement at St Augustine’s Primary School.

“While on placement as part of my course, I was able to learn more practical skills working in the school environment,” Sheldon says of his experience at St Augustine’s.

Since the conclusion of his placement, Sheldon was offered employment at St Augustine’s Primary School as an Educational Support Officer, which directly corresponds to the study he completed while at Wodonga TAFE. In this part-time role he will be supporting students to learn sports and recreation activities.

This is not the end of the study journey for Sheldon, who intends on returning to Wodonga TAFE to further his skills and qualifications.

“I’ve applied to study the Diploma of Community Services in the midyear intake, to give me more opportunities to work within the local community helping people and hopefully enhancing their lives,” he explains.

By studying hard and showing dedication during his placement hours at St Augustine’s, Sheldon is a prime example of how practical placement within a course, can lead directly to employment in the industry you are studying. Which is why hands-on, practical learning at Wodonga TAFE is always worth considering for your future career.

To see more of the courses on offer at Wodonga TAFE available for mid-year enrolment, visit our website at www.wodongatafe.edu.au or call our friendly customer service team to discuss options suitable to you 1300 698 233