Certificate II Business

Mr Ben Russell

“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.” – Michael LeBoeuf

The Certificate II Business is an alternative learning environment in which students can participate in a variety of projects. The course is comprehensive and inclusive and has a strong emphasis on developing life skills for dealing with challenges. A large emphasis is placed on providing students with the chance to become work-place ready before graduation and to progress into a career pathway that complements the student’s skillset.

The students who are accepted into this VET program work towards completing a Certificate II in Business. The course consists of 12 units of work, which each student over can complete over Year 11 and Year 12. Each unit competency has several performance criteria which relate to a particular skill or workplace situation in the business industry. Most of the units are practically based and offer a realistic approach to the workforce, where we endeavour to educate through enterprise ideas such as the ball invitations we created in Term 1 and the regular cooking classes the course offers. On completion, each graduate will receive a nationally recognised qualification, which students can use to gain entry into a higher learning institution such as TAFE or graduates have the option to join the workforce with confidence knowing they have situational workplace experience. It is a fantastic head-start for the boys involved, as it can give them an advantage over other candidates when it comes to employability and enrolments.

It has been rewarding watching the students grow and develop throughout the course. We base a lot of assessment around organisational activities, as this is such an important skill in industry. The students found this particularly challenging at the start of the year, as we tried to simulate an environment with strict policies and procedures they would experience in a real workplace. The boys began to understand the importance of making sure they have a work plan and meeting the requirements of it on a weekly basis.

The practical nature of the course provides a supportive educational experience for our students, with a real emphasis on preparing students for life after Trinity College. Each member of the course has demonstrated a professional and mature approach to the alternative learning styles and has embraced the opportunity to develop teamwork, communication, presentation, and organisational skills.

I was very pleased to see this year’s group of Year 12 students receive their certificates. I must commend the way the boys approached the course, and to witness the personal growth and development of each student. I thank the students for their hard work, commitment and the enthusiasm in which they have approached the qualification. I wish these students all the best for their future, and firmly believe they have the necessary skills, integrity, and attitude to forge successful careers.

Mr Ben Russell (’04)

Certificate II Business Coordinator