From Classroom to Career: ATCNB students who swapped schoolies for work

While many of their peers engaged in traditional ‘schoolies’ celebrations, a group of students from Australian Trade College North Brisbane (ATCNB), part of the IntoWork Group, were making a different kind of headline.

ATCNB students Lacey Simpson, Charley Wyatt, and Andrew Stanford opted to skip the parties and instead focus on entering the workforce, securing apprenticeships, traineeships, and even starting their own businesses.

Meet Charley Wyatt

ATCNB Year 12 leader Charley Wyatt has always been one to forge her own path. While her peers were winding down at the end of 2024, Charley was busy launching her own business in disability support.

Throughout Year 12, Charley not only earned a Certificate III in Individual Support through Mater Education but also completed a school-based traineeship at BallyCara Residential Aged Care, arranged through ATCNB’s partnership with MRAEL. She also enrolled in the University of Sunshine Coast’s HeadStart program, successfully completing her first subject towards a Bachelor of Nursing.

But Charley’s ambition didn’t stop there. In May 2024, she started her own small business, providing support services to children with disabilities, all while managing her Year 12 studies. “I work with seven kids, mostly from one family. I love helping these kids, and it’s so rewarding,” she said.

“I don’t want the kids I support to feel defined by their disabilities. I help them with everyday activities and encourage them to feel just like any other kid out there.”

Her dedication and hard work were recognised with the Year 12 Health Excellence Award and the prestigious IntoWork Australia Vibrant Futures Award at ATCNB’s 2024 Graduation. “It was an honour to receive them, as it proved I tried my hardest.”

Charley’s school-based traineeship at BallyCara Aged Care Facility, showed her the power of kindness and compassion. “I realised I wanted to make people’s days better, and BallyCara allowed me to do just that. Working in the dementia ward was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It costs nothing to be kind and smile,” she said.

Charley’s advice to younger students is to embrace new opportunities. “Being open to new experiences can bring unexpected opportunities. I highly recommend the Wylie camp to Year 11 students and would love to mentor at the camp this year.”

ATCNB School Principal Brett Kavanagh praised Charley’s achievements, “Charley has exemplified the qualities of a positive ambassador for the college, a trusted friend to her peers, a dependable and conscientious student in class, and a proud school-based trainee,” Mr. Kavanagh said.

Meet Andrew Stanford

ATCNB’s 2024 DUX Student Andrew Stanford discovered early on that traditional schooling wasn’t for him. The eight classes and mountain of homework at his previous school left him feeling overwhelmed and disengaged.

Everything changed when he transferred to Australian Trade College North Brisbane (ATCNB). With just four subjects to focus on, the reduced workload allowed him to concentrate on the classes that truly mattered to him.

As a result, his academic performance soared, and he earned the School Dux Award for 2024, the highest honour a student can achieve, at last year’s graduation ceremony.

Andrew was also honoured with the Year 12 General Mathematics Excellence Award and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Future Innovators Award. “I didn’t quite expect to win most of them. I was literally putting a bet on another kid to win DUX and then they called my name. I was very excited and quite proud of myself,” Andrew said.

Andrew’s commitment to his Certificate II in Electrotechnology course and industry placements made him a standout student. One of his favourite moments at the college was his work experience at Natoli Electrical, where he gained valuable hands-on experience in industrial electrics.

Instead of joining the ranks of students heading to the beach or other popular schoolies destinations, Andrew worked on a farm in Walgett, central North New South Wales, to gain real-world experience.

“It was a change going from school every day to working seven days a week and going to bed anytime up until 1 am,” Andrew said.

Andrew’s next step is to join the Navy, following in the footsteps of his dad. He has applied for a military apprenticeship and is eagerly awaiting confirmation of his position. His goal is to work as a marine electrician maintaining electrical systems on naval vessels or to explore aircraft engineering.

Andrew’s advice to other ATCNB students is to focus on subjects that matter most and take advantage of being curious. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem silly. Ask them, and it could lead to a deeper understanding and better performance.”

ATCNB Principal Brett Kavannagh said Andrew Stanford is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a willingness to take a different path, “His success highlights the value of our unique educational approach and the potential that lies within every student who chooses to embrace it.”

 

Meet Lacey Simpson

Recent graduate Lacey Simpson has not only excelled in her electrotechnology studies but has also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during her time at Australian Trade College North Brisbane (ATCNB).

She was recently recognised for her achievements, receiving the Year 12 Commendation Award for Electrotechnology and the prestigious ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award.

“Winning the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award was a great honour. It felt like an acknowledgment of my overall efforts beyond just academic grades,” Lacey said.

Lacey was inspired to get into electrotechnology by her family and friends who were already in the field. She found her passion through a school-based apprenticeship that she started in March 2023. Even though she faced some tough challenges, like a host company closure, Lacey didn’t give up. She is now a full-time apprentice with Tripped Out Electrical in Rothwell.

“Working with Tripped Out Electrical has been fantastic. We focus on commercial and industrial projects, which has opened up a whole new avenue for me. It’s incredibly satisfying to work on large-scale projects like sheds and other expansive spaces,” she said.

Lacey’s apprenticeship is expected to continue for another three years, during which she aims to gain further experience and hone her skills.

Reflecting on her time as a student ambassador at ATCNB, Lacey highlighted the fun runs and event organisation as memorable moments. She also credited the supportive teachers for helping her throughout Year 12.

“I promised myself that I would go out with a bang, and I did.”

Her advice to aspiring student leaders is straightforward: “Go for it. No one’s perfect, and it all works out in the end. It’s something you can take pride in as you grow and graduate.”

Lacey encourages her peers to stay determined and focused on their goals. “Whatever’s happening now does not matter in a couple of years. It all gets better. If you really want something, it will happen. You just have to put your mind to it.”

ATCNB Principal, Brett, praised Lacey’s achievements and character. “Lacey has been a student of outstanding character, displaying leadership skills rare in a school-aged student. Lacey has shown a high level of dedication to her studies, school community, and the Electrical industry.”

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