Andrew Brandon - Head of Department for Vocational Education

Personal

After completing my schooling at Stanthorpe in Southern Queensland, the frozen desert, I studied for 6 years at university to become a teacher. It sounds like I failed a lot or became a professional student, but I actually completed 2 separate courses in Manual Arts and Human Movement Studies. My first posting was to Tambo in Central Queensland with a population of around 300. Coping with 3 to 4 students in class was difficult but somebody had to do it. It was there I met my lovely wife Judy, and after three years we transfered to Mackay. I was based at Mirani, 40 kms. west of Mackay as a Manual Arts teacher for 8 years. During my time there I was appointed Head of Department Manual Arts, Voc. Ed. and Technology. During a holiday visit to Weipa and visiting Lance Jarret the Head of Department for secondary, we came up with wild idea of a relocation and here we are.

Role

My role here for Western Cape college is as the Head of Department for Vocational Education. With the latest ETRF agenda this role will keep me busy in providing definite career pathways and options for those students seeking training and employment. During the students time at school they will have the opportunity to study certificate based courses as well as the option of a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship.

Current Focus

Another area of focus for me is with the students at risk of leaving school or who have already left school without any formal qualifications thus reducing their chances of employment. Through the combined efforts of the College, Comalco and local business, opportunities for work experience and the identification of work ready skills has been seen as an ongoing commitment. The success of future sustained employment for these students can only happen on the strength of this partnership.