Central West TAFE, in partnership with the Geraldton Senior College and Clontarf Midwest Football Academy, has been being recognised by the Federal Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations as being an Australian training leader after taking the honours in the Australian VET in Schools category of the 2008 Australian Training Awards for the ‘Kicking Goals’ program.
The Australian Training Awards are Australia’s most prestigious training awards and were held at an impressive gala presentation dinner in Darwin on Thursday 20th November.
Together with Geraldton Senior College the Central West TAFE and Midwest Football Academy VET in Schools program ‘Kicking Goals’ takes a holistic approach to engage young Indigenous males in education and training. Students study a combination of Curriculum Council courses and vocational education and training units of competency focusing on literacy, numeracy and general education coupled with units of competency from the Certificate I in Sport & Recreation. In 2004 the program commenced with ten year 11 students and 5 years on the number of students has grown to thirty.
Mr Bert Beevers, Managing Director of Central West TAFE said, "This is an exceptional achievement for Central West TAFE and an honour to be recognised at a national level for high quality and innovative delivery of vocational education and training to Geraldton Senior High School students".
Mr Beevers added, "We hope that the success of Central West TAFE in these awards would encourage others to take advantage of the great opportunities that exist locally. They demonstrate that Central West TAFE staff are committed to working very closely with the community, schools and employers to provide excellence in education and training".
In acknowledging the value of the partnership Principal of Geraldton Senior College, Mr Garry Simmons, praised the collaborative work of staff who had committed to the program’s continued development. "Their dedicated efforts have led to more students attending school, participating fully and achieving the requirements of the Western Australian Certificate of Education".
Tony Cogan, Director of the Midwest Football Academy stated "This award recognises the valuable contribution by Geraldton Senior College, Central West TAFE and the Clontarf Midwest Football Academy staff and in particular all of the young men who have participated in this program since its inception in 2004."
He also said "The Kicking Goals program has shown successful outcomes especially in the areas of student retention to Year 12 and consolidated employment pathways for those involved. These outcomes reflect the commitment shown by the staff, students, their families and the organisations involved in the partnership. The Midwest Football Academy has also been fortunate to have fantastic local support from businesses and community groups who have all provided opportunities which have benefited these students."