25 Nov 2021
Meet Cyrus – he’s a Year 12 student at Dickson College who’s working towards his Certificate III in Business and through an Australian School-based Apprenticeship, is already working in an office environment for the ACT Education Directorate’s Careers and Vocational Pathways team - an opportunity he says, has changed his life.
Cyrus has been working with the Careers and Vocational Pathways team for around 8 months now, and generally comes in two days a week to provide administrative support and assistance. He also spends three days a week attending classes at Dickson College and one day a month learning at his Registered Training Organisation, the Australian Training Company.
“My role in the Directorate is to make everyone’s day a little easier. That could be by photocopying, attending meetings to take minutes and much more. It’s all really valuable for my learning and each day is varied,” Cyrus said.
Every student is unique and follows a different path through their education journey. Cyrus found that high school just wasn’t engaging him. He struggled to keep up his attendance and his report card didn’t reflect his potential. He knew he was capable of achieving, and he did have a desire to do something – he just wasn’t sure what.
Then, when he started at Dickson College, he found out about a work experience opportunity with the Education Directorate, which could lead to an ASbA.
“In high school I was under the impression that ASbA’s were only trade related - I had no idea you could do an ASbA in the public service. I was lucky enough to get that position and it’s been great, it’s helped me turn myself around,” Cyrus said.
Now, Cyrus has almost completed his certificate III in Business and has learnt a lot about how the public service, and an office environment, operates. He’ll be employable by the end of the year and was even shortlisted for the Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year award at the 2021 ACT Training Awards.
“My ASbA helped me so much. Working in a professional environment, I have to step up, which has helped me mature a lot and even given me a better outlook on life,” Cyrus said.
“Dickson College, my employer and the Australian Training Company have all been a great support.”
Cyrus has even had the chance to help other students like him! He recently presented at a workshop for ASbA students, sharing his own experiences and the tricks and tips he’s learnt along the way. He went from being a disengaged student, to helping others find the path that’s right for them.
“It’s crazy! If I could go back and talk to myself a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. I never expected that I’d be in the position I am now,” Cyrus said.
As he wraps up his final few months of schooling, Cyrus is feeling confident in himself and his skills, and has a newfound sense of direction for the years post-graduation. He’s even managed to secure a full-time traineeship with the Education Directorate next year!
Cyrus’s journey provides a great example of the variety of options available to students looking to undertake an apprenticeship or other vocational study. The opportunity has helped him discover his own potential and start carving out a career that truly interests him.
