A School-based Apprenticeship Launches Success
Case study: Rory Smeaton
Rory Smeaton, the 2010 Australian Training Awards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the year, didn’t let dyslexia stop him from reaching his goals.
What was school like for you?
In primary school I was diagnosed with dyslexia and was bullied for it. I struggled with my education right though primary school and middle high school. In Year 9 I was wondering what to do for VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) - which I was not looking forward to - when someone told me about an alternative called VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning). It gives you practical work-related experience. I thought was a better option for me as I was more of a hands-on person. With VCAL I could work one day a week as well – and still play sport!
How did you find out about the different training options?
My careers teacher at high school was a shining light who helped me get where I am today. She helped me set up my resume and looked for things that suited my needs and wants in life.
What training did you do?
At the same time as VCAL, I did a school-based apprenticeship with AFL Sportsready. I worked one day a week with VAYSAR (Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation) and I also did a Certificate III and IV in Sports and Recreation over Year 11 and 12. When I left high school, I was in a few pilot programs for indigenous kids at Swinburne University. Since then I’ve gone on to complete my Certificate II in IT (Information Technology) and my Diploma of Youth Work.
What was training like?
My teachers at TAFE have helped me so much, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The way they could tailor the course to my needs has been great. They weren’t just teachers, they were really good mentors. They really helped me work out what areas I needed to get into to get my ideas on track.
What has work been like?
It’s been mind blowing! I got a job in 2009 as the Indigenous Liaison Officer in the Indigenous Education centre at Kangan Institute. That was my first full-time job and it is one I will never forget. Now I’m the Indigenous Liaison Officer at Swinburne TAFE.
What tips do you have for people thinking about training?
Don’t be scared to try new things! Try little taster courses and see if you like something you haven’t done before. It doesn’t matter what age you are! There are so many different career paths out there and there are many different way to reach them.
We all have walls put up but you have to keep pushing though them. And when you see the end result, you will look back on it and be glad you didn’t stop.
Download a copy of Rory's story
A School-based Apprenticeship Launches Success (PDF, 189.95 KB) Rory Smeaton, the 2010 Australian Training Awards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the year, didn’t let dyslexia stop him from reaching his goals.