Banking success for Letishia

A Renmark High School Year 12 student has made her way into the business world early by completing a school-based apprenticeship. 

Letishia Fewquandie completed a Certificate III in Business and Commerce recently as part of her SACE.

The 18-year-old began her apprenticeship in late 2017, after deciding she wanted to spend high school working towards a future career.

“I started working at the NAB in Renmark as soon as I started my apprenticeship,” Letishia said.

“I was able to drop a couple of subjects so I could focus on my apprenticeship and work at the bank every Thursday – which is my school’s flexible VET day.

“Having a job that’s related to school and getting paid to basically learn is pretty cool.”

Letishia said working in the bank had given her confidence. 

“I’ve improved my communication skills and really stepped out of my comfort zone,” she said.

“My manager has given me the opportunity to work extra shifts in the holidays and make some extra money. 

“After Year 12 I hope this leads to a proper job, but if not I have gained many skills that will allow me to branch out and continue to apply for other business courses.”

Letishia said she was an inspiration to her sister. 

“My younger sister is now doing the same certificate I did and is working at Westpac,” she said.

“I hope to be an inspiration to other students because this opportunity has been amazing.”

Jake sets scene for exciting film producer future

Creative SACE graduate Jake Rudd is one step closer to his dream of becoming a film producer.

Jake combined his love of IT and graphic design when took a Certificate III Information, Digital Media and Technology course as part of his SACE. 

The 17-year-old also completed SACE subjects Communication Products I, General Mathematics, Visual Arts – Art, and the Research Project.

The Renmark High School student completed his Certificate III and is now on track to finishing his Certificate IV Information, Digital Media and Technology course.

“I have always done well throughout school with my academic studies but in Year 11 I wanted to do something different and related to my interest in IT, which is why I took the VET pathway and the Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology course,” Jake said.

“I absolutely loved the course and was able to complete it to a high standard, and in 2018 I branched out to combine IT work with design and graphic elements. I’ve always enjoyed getting creative and crafty with graphic design and using programs such as Photoshop.

“I was also able to combine my interest of computers with my Research Project when I came up with a user manual for constructing a desktop computer from start to finish. That really helped me gain an even greater understanding of computers.”

Jake now has his sights set on studying media art production in Adelaide.

“My main interest is creating videos and my lifetime ambition is to become a film producer in such a growing industry,” he said.

Renmark High School Pathways Coordinator Mrs Marina Pater said she was proud of Jake’s achievements.

“Jake has studied the Certificate III and IV Information Technology courses during his last two years at school and excelled in his SACE subjects Communications Products and Visual Arts –Design,” Mrs Pater said. 

“Jake has a strong interest in media and is looking to pursue this with further training in Adelaide next year. We are very proud of his accomplishments as a rural student in this competitive industry.”

Johnny’s on the road to success

A student who followed his business dream as part of his SACE has landed the perfect job.

Renmark High School student Johnny Bediavas successfully completed a Certificate III in Microbusiness Operations and a Certificate III in Business Administration as part of his SACE.

Johnny also studied General Mathematics, Material Products, Essential English and the Research Project.

The 18-year-old’s skills have not gone unnoticed by Renmark truck service Todiam Freightlines who offered Johnny an office clerk position.

“I have always had an interest in business and enterprise and it was a natural fit for me to follow a business pathway as part of my SACE,” Johnny said.

“I completed the Certificate lll in Microbusiness Operations last year and my Pathways Coordinator at Renmark High School suggested I study a Certificate lll in Business Administration.

“I have learned so many business administration skills, including using Microsoft Office, taking phone calls and writing messages down.

“I’m so happy to get a job where I can use my business administration skills and learn so many different things. In the future I would love to start my own business, where I find an everyday problem and find a solution to that problem.”

Renmark High School Pathways Coordinator Mrs Marina Pater is delighted with Johnny’s accomplishments.

“We are proud of Johnny's hard work and enthusiasm for the local transport industry,” Mrs Pater said.

“Johnny has been offered a position at Todiam Freightlines in their office where he is putting his VET skills to use. He is keen to continue learning more about the business world and will continue to seek more training at the local TAFE.” 

Christina Babaniotis, HR, WHS & Compliance Coordinator at Todiam Freightlines, said they were excited to have Johnny on board.

“Johnny’s enthusiasm and commitment to his work is very welcoming. It is great to see a young man dedicated to excel in his area of work,” Ms Babaniotis said.

“He fits in so well in our office and is a valued member of our team. With the legal and compliance commitment we have internally for the transport industry, this in turn will teach Johnny a whole new world of administration tools, as he has the ability and intelligence to learn and grow.

“We are excited to continue to train and assist Johnny to achieve his goals in the future.”