Charmaine and Alissa make a future in manufacturing
As 15 year olds, Charmaine Burns and Alissa Young found little motivation in the classroom, had no desire to go to university, and struggled to see what lay ahead in their careers.
Two years later, the story is completely different. Charmaine and Alissa are driven young women with full-time apprenticeships at Stoddart Manufacturing, and see bright futures ahead.
In 2010 they completed year 12, graduating with a Certificate of Education and qualifications in light metal fabrication, and received permanent work placements.
Stoddart Apprenticeship Manager Ross Wilson said he had watched the 17 year olds "come alive" in their pursuit to gain school-based apprenticeships through the Manufacturing and Engineering Gateway Schools Project.
"[The girls] used to drag their feet at school but, through the program, their grades improved," he said.
Charmaine was awarded a Gateway Schools Manufacturing Scholarship in 2010. "I feel very lucky to have received the scholarship because there were eight people at Runcorn State High School who applied, and only another guy and I got it," she said.
A quiet achiever, Charmaine's goals and aspirations speak louder than her words. Ross said her motivation and career aims were the reason she was selected for a scholarship.
Charmaine said she could never picture herself working in an office or as a hairdresser, so the apprenticeship was a perfect fit for her.
A Runcorn SHS teacher encouraged her to get a trade certificate and, after work experience at Stoddart, her love for manufacturing began.
"A teacher said 'why wait until you graduate to get a qualification, you may as well graduate with another qualification'," she said.
Charmaine said even if she had not won a scholarship, she would still be an apprentice but the scholarship made it a lot easier.
Last year, Alissa also achieved an incredible milestone. She was named MSQ School-Based Apprentice of the Year, a title for which all school-based apprentices across Queensland could be nominated.
Alissa excelled in her apprenticeship, despite coping with an unstable schooling environment, moving from Sunnybank SHS to Rochdale SHS during her final year.
Initially, Alissa wanted to be an aircraft engineer but, after doing so well in work experience, she decided to continue at Stoddart.
Ross said Stoddart nominated her for the award because of her driven nature. "She won it not only because of her high skill level, but because of her initiative and aspirations in the industry. She has a strong personal commitment to being the best at what she does."
Alissa signed up for manufacturing work experience after she turned 15 because she liked the idea of gaining a qualification early.
"I thought while I have a head start, I many as well make the most of it and get the most qualifications I can."
She said students often had the option to either study or work but, through the program, she was able to "get the best of both worlds".
"Why should kids have to wait till they finish school before they get a job? You don't need to be at uni, where you have to work to pay for your education. I was able to learn while I worked."
Alissa said the school-based apprenticeship allowed her to learn trade skills without the pressure of a full-time apprenticeship.
"The apprenticeship really helps a lot. I learnt to weld at 15, so I've had those basic skills for a long time now. As a school-based apprentice, I gained the same skills as a full-time apprentice."
She said the program was great for students who did not enjoy school because it made them work harder.
"It helps kids who really struggle at school because they spend less time at school, so they want to make the most of the time they are actually there."
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