When Alyssa realised that the traditional school setting wasn’t supporting her learning or wellbeing, she took a leap, stepping into a virtual classroom where the experience looked and felt entirely different. As she settled into her senior schooling years online, Alyssa found a place where success wasn’t measured by marks alone, and began to see that it was not only possible to take an alternative career path, but that it could lead exactly where she wanted to go.
I enjoy manual work and being outdoors so when my horse-riding instructor suggested electrician as a job, the seed was planted, and I knew that would be something that I would thoroughly enjoy.
Supported by her parents in consultation with VSV learning advisors, a pathway was soon forged for Alyssa, and she was enrolled in the local TAFE to undertake electrotechnology as a VET subject.
It was a bit challenging returning to a classroom environment, but I knew that doing this course would give me the best head start on the way to an apprenticeship.
Eager to thoroughly investigate what her career might look like, Alyssa and her parents spoke to businesses and women in trade. Despite collective efforts, Alyssa faced challenges along the way in securing industry work experience. Each challenge asked persistence of her, and the self-belief to keep going.
Alyssa credits the dedicated VSV Careers staff for their professional encouragement to pursue her goal.
I (also) undertook some additional single day courses at a local training provider that I thought might benefit me and give me further experience along with showing my commitment to working in the industry.
This perseverance wasn’t for nothing. With some timely administrative support from the VSV Careers staff, Alyssa was able to secure a second work experience placement, resulting in her being offered a full-time apprenticeship. Alyssa’s is a story of tenacity, where her future is shaped not by chance, but the intention to pursue a dream and a different way forward. To all the dreamers, Alyssa says:
I would encourage (you) not to give up – keep asking for work experience and talking to people, or even like I did, look at additional short courses to compliment your current experience.
