Students pledge: ‘No to dole’

By Melissa Grant
YEAR 10 students at Pakenham Secondary College are promising to engage in further education, training and employment as part of a program which aims to break the cycle of welfare dependence.
The school’s Real Opportunities, Real Jobs, Real Futures – No Dole program provides students with links to the business community to ensure they have the best possible start in their working lives.
The program, an initiative of the Beacon Foundation, was launched at Pakenham Secondary College last year. It has had an immediate impact with the college recently receiving the Beacon Foundation Award for the Best First Year No Dole School, from a field of more than 100.
Annette Torok, the Victorian co-ordinator of Beacon Foundation, said the prestigious accolade highlighted the commitment of both the college and the local business community to provide opportunities for students.
“Pakenham Secondary College has built strong business and community links through the program, ensuring the students are exposed to a range of career options and are well prepared for the workforce,” Ms Torok said.
This commitment was on show at a business breakfast last Wednesday, with many businesspeople and college staff rising early for the occasion.
Pakenham Secondary College Beacon leaders James O’Neill, Chris Connelly, Cassandra Beckwith and Kate Hughes acted as master of ceremonies for the event at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Cassandra spoke about the importance of the college’s charter signing event, where students make a pledge that by March next year that they will be in work, further education or training.
Principal Ray Squires said the college’s aim was to cater for all students’ ambitions, offering VCE, VCAL and TAFE courses.
“It’s important to give students the opportunity to build the path to their preferred future,” he said.
Former student and chair of the Cardinia Foundation Brian Paynter urged the students to be proud of where they came from.
Mr Paynter said too many students from Pakenham Secondary College weren’t. “I ask them where they go to school and they look away,” he said.
The Beacon Foundation works with schools to establish community and business links to broaden employment, training and further education opportunities for students through programs such as site tours, mock interviews, a unique work-ready program called Polish as well as mentoring and work placement.
Mr Paynter applauded the students for signing the charter.
“There’s work out there, you don’t need to go on the dole,” he said.