Within the Cowpasture group of schools, the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) supports students attending Bonnyrigg High School, Bossley Park High School, Cecil Hills High School, Hoxton Park High School, Prairiewood High School, and St Johns Park High School.

We spoke with SBAT Engagement Officer Gianni Alfonsi, Head Teacher Careers Nicholas Chambour, and School Administrative Officer Renee Hill about their roles in the EPP and how their strong collaboration with schools and as a team had fostered success for students in the program.

About their role:

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Gianni: Working with schools and their communities to promote the School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) program is a really rewarding experience. Helping students secure an SBAT and then mentoring them as they balance school, work, and training has fostered strong professional relationships and contributed to their success. Having the support within the EPP team made the transition from classroom teacher to engagement officer seamless and fulfilling.

Nicholas: I enjoy being able to provide opportunities to students that expand their career learning and development, while being able to engage their interests and passions. I also enjoy working closely with Careers Advisers, school teams and executives to cater to the needs of the region and individual schools.

Renee: As a School Administration Officer, I value the opportunity to be part of an exceptional program. Collaborating with a talented team, I support various initiatives that offer students the chance to participate, gain knowledge, resources, and careers guidance.

Are there any opportunities or challenges that are unique to the schools and communities you are working in?

Gianni: With the new airport on our doorstep and many businesses relocating to Western Sydney, opportunities and future pathways are growing for students. Providing that link is key to our role as we connect students to businesses. Tapping into existing student networks is always a great way to establish an SBAT, and mentoring students to approach and secure employers is a lifelong skill I constantly try to build. Some challenges that we are constantly navigating are TAFE placement availability, sourcing employers and getting the "right fit", student transport to work or training, and the time it can take to process SBAT applications.

Nicholas: The opportunity to work with Careers Advisers that are experienced and share my passion for quality career development for all students has been a great feature of the Cowpasture region. Some challenges we face are access to efficient public transport from our region, and familial expectations of pathways not always aligning with what students truly aspire to.In saying this, the opportunities to work collaboratively with colleagues in the Cowpasture region to try and overcome these challenges have been positive experiences.

Renee: An excellent opportunity offered to the schools we collaborate with is the ‘Look and Learn with MJ – Barbering Workshops’. This initiative is highly engaging for students as they acquire and showcase essential barbering skills, understand the significance of customer service, practice respect towards others, improve communication skills and acknowledge the importance of teamwork.

What is your proudest achievement (or a memorable day) in the role so far?

Gianni: Securing and beginning every SBAT is always a proud moment. The support, trust, and collaboration that exists within my school communities, primarily working with the careers staff, make me proud every day. Schools are busy places, and alleviating some of the workload to support the school's SBAT program is my aim on each and every visit.

Nicholas: I am really proud of the ‘Look & Learn Barbering Workshops with MJ’ from Ministry Barbers. These workshops engage students from a variety of backgrounds to develop technical and soft skills in a trade they are interested in, while receiving mentoring from an experienced barber and barber educator that they look up to and resonate with. Coverage of the workshops growing from social media to SBS World News is something I'm also quite proud of.

Renee: I am most proud of my accomplishment in supervising and administering the Cowpasture region, during the transition for the new Head Teacher of Careers to be appointed. In this time, I worked closely with both internal and external stakeholders to communicate all details regarding the courses available and the enrolment procedures. As a result of these efforts, numerous student applications were processed, and many received placements in their desired TAFE ‘Start Your Future’ courses.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Gianni: In my spare time I enjoy home renovations, gardening, and maintenance. As a passionate pizzaiolo (pizza maker) with my own wood-fired pizza oven and dough recipe, I regularly fire up my oven. Watching sports, especially football, is a favourite pastime since I can't play anymore. I follow my Western Sydney Wanderers locally and AS Roma abroad. During summer, you'll often find me at the beach jet skiing, fishing, and relaxing. Spending time with family, whether around home, dining out, or simply visiting, happens regularly.

Nicholas: I really enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and martial arts (practising and watching combat sports).

Renee: I enjoy spending time with my family, yoga and pilates.

Where is your favourite place? This could be anywhere! A holiday spot, special restaurant or the patch in the backyard that gets just the right amount of sun!

Gianni: My favourite place has to be the backyard! Summer time that backyard is Umina Beach on my jet ski!!

Nicholas: I have two favourite places, my home gym and my father's village in Lebanon,

Renee: My favourite place is the beach.

For our binge watchers, or book readers... any recommendations of TV shows, movies or books?

Gianni: I would recommend anything that is sports related. I don't mind reading the odd autobiography, especially by sports people, and if the TV's on - we're watching sport!

Nicholas: My recommendation for TV Shows would be Brooklyn 99 and Chef's Table. For a movie, Enter the Dragon (classic!). Finally, for a book, I would recommend Anh Do's, 'The Happiest Refugee', what a great story of resilience, courage and opportunity.

Renee: I would have to recommend Ted Lasso. I loved it!