These questions are just some of the questions that students ask themselves as they are nearing the end of their school days and are looking to enter the workforce. The Mudgee High School Link Program goes a long way to addressing many of these and other questions students have about leaving school. Opportunities to do work experience in their career interests and involving students in studying at TAFE one day each week, opens their eyes to a new style of career specific learning.

Mudgee High School student, Jeremy Yeo, is one such student. Jeremy is very keen to pursue a career as a heavy vehicle mechanic when he leaves school. Stuart Barnes of Everything Mechanical has given Jeremy the opportunity to experience this type of work as part of the Link Programs work experience program and it has proven to Jeremy that this is the career he wants to pursue.

Stuart Barnes knows from his own experience that just because you are not excelling at school does not mean you cannot excel in the workforce. It was only when Stuart left school and started a mechanical trade that his interest in this field lead to significant achievements at TAFE and in his apprenticeship. 

“I regularly help out the school with their work experience programs as I want to help the students realise they can achieve a great deal even if they may struggle a bit at school. We also help the students realise whether this type of work suits them or not. There is nothing like actually doing a job to see if it is something you want to do as a career.”

Jeremy’s involvement with TAFE each week has removed any fears he may have had with doing further study when he leaves school. He finds the practical learning environment at TAFE to suit his style of learning and it is something he wants to continue.

The Mudgee High School Link Program highlights the important role that local businesses have in helping local youth plan their future. A big thankyou to Stuart Barnes at Everything Mechanical for his support of the Mudgee High School Link Program.