Whatever your interest, we invite you to come along and join in on one of these events. Learn how the Navy, Army or Air Force can offer much more than just a career. Life in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) offers a unique experience with work-life balance, competitive salaries, free medical and dental, nationally recognised qualifications and fulfilling meaningful work.

Our tailored information session will be hosted by current serving military personnel, students receive authentic advice and encouragement, empowering them to explore options that align with their interests and strengths. Whether your students are certain about a Defence career or still exploring their future, our sessions offer meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and take the next step towards an exciting and rewarding career. 

Albury Defence Careers Information Session

Date: Thurs 4 Sept 25

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Location: Albury ADF Careers Centre

Albury Trade Careers Information Session

Date: Wed 17 Sept 25

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Location: Albury ADF Careers Centre

(Hybrid) Engineering Careers Info. Session

Date: Thurs 11 Sept 25

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Location: Online or Melbourne ADFCC

As the end of Year 12 draws closer, many students are thinking about “what’s next.”  Some may want to take time to explore their options, earn money and build real-world experience before heading off to further study or other adventures.

A GAP Year Traineeship with Zauner Construction in 2026 could be exactly the opportunity they’re looking for!

This full-time traineeship (Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm, commencing 5 January 2026) provides the chance to:

·         Gain hands-on business experience in a professional and supportive workplace.

·         Build valuable life skills and confidence working with a wide range of people.

·         Contribute to exciting construction projects while learning how a leading regional builder operates.

·         Achieve a Certificate III in Business – a nationally recognised qualification.

·         Earn while you learn, saving money for the next chapter.

Zauner Construction has proudly supported GAP Year trainees for many years, with past participants going on to study Teaching, Medical Imaging,

Construction Management, and other exciting careers.

Hear directly from our trainees:

·         Sophie Irvine (2024 Trainee) – currently studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences. from Sophie.

·         Eliza Carroll (2023 Trainee) – gained independence, experience, and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Imaging at Deakin University. from Eliza.

·         Stephanie Lassey (2022 Trainee) – discovered her passion for construction and is now studying a Bachelor of Construction Management. from Steph.

HOW TO APPLY

Students can express interest by contacting me directly on 02 6025 1988 or emailing their application (cover letter and resume) to hrmanager@zauner.com.au.

We encourage you to share this exciting opportunity with your Year 12 students as they prepare, complete exams, celebrate graduation and plan their next steps.

We look forward to welcoming our next GAP Year Trainee in 2026!

For further information visit:  https://zauner.com.au/careers/

Blake is currently working one day a week in the business and said he is enjoying the work, especially learning directly under the experienced guidance of his father, Aaron. He will soon commence his Certificate III in Carpentry at Wodonga TAFE to further develop his skills.

Aaron, both father and supervisor, shared that it is invaluable for young people to gain real industry experience early and that opportunities like Head Start provide a pathway he wished had been available when he was at school. He also acknowledged Blake’s commitment, saying his son has truly earned the chance to start his apprenticeship.

Tracey Jacobs from MEGT Apprenticeships added, “It is fantastic to work with Â鶹ľ«Ńˇ and the Head Start program, as it provides a strong pathway for the next generation of tradespeople.”

Head Start Coordinator, Shane Crispin, highlighted the importance of recognising that family-run businesses are playing a vital role in the success of SBATs. “It is a common misconception that young people cannot complete an SBAT in a relative’s business. In fact, across our region we currently have 12 students undertaking their apprenticeship or traineeship with family. These partnerships are an excellent example of how families can actively support young people to explore and establish their careers.”

Congratulations to Blake for showing initiative and using his family connections in such a positive way to begin his career journey. A special thank you to Aaron, Sarah, and the team at Aaron Byrne Building, along with MEGT, for supporting these exciting opportunities for our young people.

For information on School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs), please contact Head Start Coordinator, Shane Crispin.

M: 0476 076 258

E: shane.crispin@education.vic.gov.au    

Traineeships like this offer real-world experience, technical training, and professional skills that prepare students for a wide range of roles across the logistics and supply chain sector.

Jean has shown a remarkable level of commitment throughout his secondary school journey since arriving in the Wodonga region. He’s been strongly supported by Renae from the WSSC Careers Team, along with Education Support staff Grace and Nelson, whose guidance has played a key role in helping him reach his potential. Their support has made a significant difference in building Jean’s self-belief, confidence, and sense of capability.

Head Start SBAT Coordinator Shane Crispin shared that the support from Reece Plumbing Wodonga, Reece Head Office, and their Group Training partner, Murray Mallee Training Company, has been incredibly positive. Angus has said “It’s great to have Jean as part of the team. He is coming out of his shell even answering the phones and serving customers on the front counter.

Jean said “I am learning a lot, and everyone has been so supportive.” Jean is backed by the unwavering support of his family, the guidance of Angus and the wider Reece Plumbing team, dedicated school staff, mentoring from Danny at Apprenticeship Support Australia, the expert WSSC Careers team, and ongoing support from the Head Start program. Congratulations, Jean, on this exciting next step!

From day one, Allie has shown the focus, attention to detail, and friendly nature essential to working in the fast-paced world of hair and beauty. Whether it’s learning to perfect a blow-dry, understanding colour theory, or making clients feel welcome and comfortable, she is embracing every aspect of her apprenticeship.

Allie says she’s looking forward to taking on more hands-on responsibilities as she progresses through her School Based Apprenticeship, eager to apply what she’s learning from the team in the salon.

Salon owner Hayley Dalton from Head Office Hair Suite is proud to support young people like Allie through Head Start: “Allie is doing so well. She has been the stand out young person we have had in a very long time, asks questions, she’s got a great attitude, and she really connects with clients. It’s great to be part of her journey and to help shape the next generation of stylists. Having the support of Shane from the Head Start SBAT program to make it happen and support from Tony from ASA Apprenticeships for the young apprentices is invaluable. ”

As Allie continues to develop her skills, there’s no doubt she’s laying the foundations for a bright future one full of style, confidence, and real-world experience. Congratulations to Hayley and the whole team at Head Office Hair Suite. We can’t wait to see where Allie’s passion for hairdressing will take her!

The best part was getting to chat directly with the people who build and own these machines: a highly modified Honda Civic race car and a tightly controlled, open-wheeled Formula V car. This face-to-face time was priceless.

The students weren’t just watching; they were asking questions and soaking up heaps of insider info. They learned about how air flows over the Formula V to keep it stable, the tough materials used in the Civic, and how tiny adjustments to the suspension make a huge difference.

The owners even talked about how they’re always solving problems and using data to make their cars perform perfectly. Seeing how eager the VET students were to talk to the car owners really showed how much they got out of it and how this experience connected their studies to the work of motorsport.

The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of interactive learning.

One student shared, “I really enjoyed using the mannequin provided for us to practice on and the hands-on use of equipment.” This experience not only deepened their understanding of theoretical concepts but also sparked greater interest in health-related careers.

Well done to the students who attended and represented the school so positively. You were highly motivated, engaged and respectful throughout the visit- a credit to both yourself and the school community.

After completing several hands-on work experience placements including time spent working on heavy highway trucks Blake’s passion and commitment stood out. With the support of WSSC Careers Advisor Garry, he landed a placement with DOC Trucks, impressing the team so much that they offered him their first SBAT opportunity in the company’s history.

Thanks to a smooth transition supported by Shane Crispin (Head Start SBAT Coordinator) and Danny Howard (Apprenticeship Support Australia), Blake now works one day a week at DOC Trucks while studying a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology through GOTAFE. He continues to balance his school and training commitments while gaining real-world skills and earning an income.

Blake says he loves the hands-on work and the family vibe in the workshop. DOC Trucks Manager Dylan O’Connor shared, “It’s great to have Blake on board the team has really embraced him. Programs like Head Start SBAT are a great way to build the next generation of our workforce.”

Huge thanks to the DOC Trucks team for creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment and congratulations to Blake for seizing this opportunity and leading the way!

For information on putting your young person’s career on the road via a School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT), please contact Head Start Coordinator, Shane Crispin
M: 0476 076 258
E: shane.crispin@education.vic.gov.au

Stage 1

In stage 1 students will receive a virtual kit with a series of fun and engaging coding tasks. Students will participate in these tasks via a user-friendly online platform – accessible from school or home. The challenges will require that students apply coding and algorithmic thinking in order to solve interesting problems. These tasks can be conducted either at school or during school holidays, at the student’s pace.

Stage 2

Stage 2 allows students to compete with others in a state-wide coding competition which will be a face-to-face event. In this competition, students will be competing in groups of 2-4, in many different challenges and games. This promises to be a fun-filled day, with challenge, excitement, friendly competition and prizes for the winning teams. (Entry to stage 2 is not dependent upon completing stage 1, however students must have been registered for stage 1 before enrolling into stage 2.) NB: to attend the competition in Melbourne you will need to travel to Melbourne (on the train with a school supervisor) the evening before the competition and stay in a hotel overnight. Cost of accommodation will be paid for by the students.
If you are interested in participating in the Stage 1 Coding Challenge please email Vicki Northey nov@wssc.vic.edu to be registered.

Further information can be found here:

With the support of Shane Crispin, Head Start SBAT Coordinator based at WSSC, Jess Klippel Apprenticeship Field Officer with BUSY At Work he has now become part of the first-class Clarke Automotive Wodonga team through a Head Start School-Based Apprenticeship (SBAT).

Beginning in June, he will work one day per week at Clarke Automotive Wodonga and commence his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Wodonga TAFE. Gustave will complete his VET qualification alongside his school studies at WSSC over the coming years, gaining valuable real-world skills and earning an income while continuing his education. Gustave said he was looking forward to completing his SBAT successfully and one day working on his own dream car a high-performance Mercedes- AMG coupe.

We are especially proud of Gustave as it takes courage, determination, resilience to embrace education and training in a new country let alone a step into the challenges of a SBAT, reflects his commitment to his growth, contribution, and faith in his future. We extend our sincere thanks to Ivan, Marion, and the entire Clarke Automotive Wodonga team for providing such a welcoming , forward-thinking environment for providing this wonderful life changing opportunity for Gustave.

A special shout-out goes out to Nelson and Grace, the legendary WSSC Multicultural Aides, and to Gustave’s amazing family for their invaluable support in helping make this opportunity a reality. Asante (Thank you in Swahili )

For more information about getting your young person hands on and in the driving seat of their future School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBATs), please contact Head Start SBAT Coordinator, Shane Crispin.
M: 0476 076 258
E: shane.crispin@education.vic.gov.au