Supporting Future Careers with the Head Start Program.

Pictured left to right: Gary Reyment (APM), Jayden (Year 12 VCEVM, Newcomb Secondary College), Allan (Year 11 VCEVM, Newcomb Secondary College), and Shane McDonald (Service Manager, Smiths of Geelong and ex-Newcomb Secondary College student).

Service Manager Shane McDonald at Smiths of Geelong, part of Blood Auto Group, proudly supports Newcomb Secondary students and promotes positive career pathways through the Victorian Government's Head Start Program.

What is Head Start?

Head Start is a program that helps students in Years 10-12 participate in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBAT). This initiative develops the skills, capabilities, and confidence needed by employers in growth industries. Students gain paid on-the-job training that also counts towards their secondary school qualifications.

Success Stories:

Jayden - Over the past 12 months, Jayden has been a Head Start school-based Light Auto apprentice. He is now transitioning into a full-time apprenticeship.

Allan - After a successful work trial, Allan has been offered a Head Start school-based Light Auto apprenticeship with Smiths of Geelong. He will work at Smiths on Wednesdays and Thursdays and attend Newcomb Secondary on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Kangan Institute will provide his training in Certificate 3 in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.

Expert Support.

Gary Reyment, with 20 years of experience supporting apprentices, recently joined APM Employment Services. APM is a new provider of the Australian Government’s revamped Australian Apprenticeship Support Services for apprentices in Victoria.

Get Involved!

Students at Victorian Government secondary schools can join the Head Start Program by speaking with their school’s career practitioner, who will connect them with their Head Start Coordinator.