On 11 March, St Patrick’s Technical College reached a significant milestone with the signing of its 700th apprentice. Jared Kirby, 18, of Blakeview, will carry the #700 as a school-based Electronics Technician apprentice with Australian Industry Group Apprentice & Trainee Centre, hosted at BAE Systems Australia. Joining Jared at AI Group / BAE Systems is StPatsTech #701, Rhys Ferrari, 17, of Golden Grove, who also signed that morning into the same school-based apprenticeship program.
Rhys and Jared undertook a Certificate II in Electronics as the core component of their Year 11 program at StPatsTech in 2015 and had commenced their Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) as their Year 12 focus. Both pre-vocational qualifications are delivered as part of the College’s cooperative agreement with TAFE SA.
During their apprenticeship, both boys will continue to be trained by TAFE SA undertaking their Certificate III in Electrotechnology. Electrician at the Elizabeth Campus.
“This is a great example of how collaboration between CESA and TAFE SA provides opportunities for secondary students,” said St Patrick’s Technical College Principal, Mr Rob Thomas.
“Our 700th apprenticeship commencement is a milestone of which we are enormously proud. Now in our tenth year of operations, this figure represents around two-thirds of all students who have attended commencing work whilst still enrolled at our specialist senior secondary technical and trade training school.”
After extensive experience at BAE Systems Mr Michael Gauci gained his teaching qualification. Michael joined the StPatsTech team and completed his Certificate IV in Training & Assessment at TAFE SA. A member of the College’s Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics team, Michael delivers the Certificate II in Electronics.
Michael’s knowledge and employment experience are typical of the teaching staff that have been assembled at St Patrick’s over the years. The real-life experiences, advice and guidance provided to students like Jared and Rhys has undoubtedly assisted many hundreds of StPatsTech students, to gain employment in their chosen fields.
Jared recognised the important contribution that staff make:
“The school is a really great support in getting these apprenticeships. Having an experienced teacher like Mr Gauci who has worked in the industry, delivering the TAFE Certificate II course, has definitely been an advantage,” he said.
Congratulations to both Jared and Rhys and best wishes in your chosen career pathways.
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
