AC VET pathway for indigenous School students

St Philips DALE Principal Bronwyn Thoroughgood with students

In a radical breakthough for alternative pathways to ATARs, Alphacrucis is partnering with St Philips Christian College to offer Certificate III in Education Support (teacher’s aid), for 17 students, including a high component of indigenous students. The Cert III translates into a 67 ATAR. According to the Hunter region Hub regional director, Andrew Youd, “Alphacrucis is the only RTO offering Cert III Education support in schools in the entirety of NSW. It is a brilliant way for indigenous students to fast track into teaching support roles post school.” The 17 students from 4 local schools have paid positions, signed with the Apprenticeship Support Australia for two years in various local independent schools. Each has a supervising teacher within the school. A further 40 students in the St Philips group are taking Cert III in tourism, again with a high component of indigenous students. “The Hunter Valley has so many tourism employment options”, said AC VET in Schools Coordinator, Donna McLean, “this is a classic example of the AC Hub adapting its offerings to local needs.” According to AC Associate Dean of Education, Dr David Hastie, the College has a high priority to partner with indigenous Australians in education. “Alphacrucis already has a strong presence in training for the indigenous church, and we are committed to seeing this extend to indigenous school students and trainee teachers, particularly in rural areas.”