But while others were packing their bags and heading north for schoolies, the Bendigo Senior Secondary College student pulled on his work boots and turned up to his first day on the job as an apprentice with Gerard House Builders.

It’s a pathway Joe has been preparing for since he was a primary student and first dreamed of becoming a builder.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, so I started studying VET Building and Construction in Year 10,” Joe said. “When I came to BSSC’s Open Day in 2015 I spoke to VET teachers David Jacob and Tim White about subject choices and it really flowed on from there. The advice I got really set me up for where I am now.”

Joe’s new boss Gerard House said Joe stood out in his interview.

“He was so well prepared and knew exactly what he was applying for… that’s a real credit to his schooling,” he said.

Joe studied VCE English, business management, and design and technology – woods along with his VET subject, but credits much of his success in landing the job he wanted to the advice of the Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs) team at BSSC.

“I went and spoke to the MIPs team midway through the year and they were able to help me get my resume together and get my name out there,” Joe said. “They know the local job market and were able to give advice about businesses to approach and how to go about it.”

One month into his four-year apprenticeship, Joe is enjoying the steep learning curve while staying realistic about the path ahead.

“The great thing about studying VET Building and Construction at BSSC was that David and Tim were straight-up about how it would be out there in the ‘real world’,” Joe said. 

His long term goal is a simple one. “I guess I’m like all the apprentices who’ve come before me… I want to have my own ute with the trailer on the back, my own set of tools, and be earning some decent money.”