LaSalle Catholic College Bankstown’s Saint Yon Trade Training Centre is empowering the next generation of career-ready students with a range of pathways for future success.
Saint Yon Trade Training Centre prides itself on its comprehensive vocational programs, offering students a chance to immerse themselves in a wide range of hands-on experiences that align with their interests and career aspirations.
Margaret Phillips, Head of Trade Training at LaSalle Catholic College Bankstown, said Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivers not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical applications in fostering a well-rounded skill set.
“We act as an informal recruitment agency for employers and the local community,” Ms Phillips said.
“By nurturing relationships with business owners and organisations, and staying updated on industry needs, we’re bridging the gap between education and employment, and addressing skills shortages to assist industry” – Margaret Phillips
The centre is dedicated to guiding students towards successful careers with a plethora of practical course offerings including Automotive, Human Services Individual Support, Construction, Electrotechnology, Hospitality, Plumbing, Retail Services and Business Services.
“Every VET course we offer here features practical elements. It gets different parts of the brain working and ticks a whole lot of boxes when it comes to learning.
“Practical training not only enhances cognitive abilities, it also prepares students for real-world challenges they are likely to encounter in their chosen fields,” Ms Phillips said.
The centre’s state-of-the-art facilities go well beyond a typical classroom set up.
Specialised spaces are tailored to reflect industry settings. Students interested in Human Services learn in classrooms equipped with hospital beds, mechanical lifters, anatomical dummies and other resources that emulate a professional workspace.
Sydney Catholic Schools prides itself on the fact that VET facilities are accessible to students at 47 secondary and congregational schools – not just students who attend the colleges where the training centres are based.
Saint Yon Trade Training Centre also boasts impressive partnerships, actively connecting students with employers and industry professionals from small to medium-sized businesses, including Rouge Homes, Delta Foundations and Smithstone Electrical.
“Saint Yon Trade Training Centre champions an industry-based learning program that allows students to gain exposure to real-world work environments, fostering crucial skills and experiences.”
“These pathways provide a strong foundation for a variety of careers. For example, Electrotechnology students often continue with their studies, advancing to explore fields such as engineering, Ms Phillips said.
At the heart of the training centre’s philosophy lies a commitment to allowing students to make informed decisions about their own education and careers.
“Our role as educators is to provide information, guidance, and opportunities, however the ultimate decision lies with our students.
“We strive to support every student’s unique journey, ensuring they are equipped with skills, experiences and choices that pave the way for a successful future,” Ms Phillips said.
Sydney Catholic Schools also delivers VET courses across all high schools, with St Yon Trade Training Centre Bankstown, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood and St Joseph Trades Skill Centre Hinchinbrook, offering the broadest range of VET courses.
