What experience do you bring to the team?

Sarah - Over 10 years of experience in administration, accounts, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Word, and communication skills.

Suzanne - I have worked in the NSW Department of Education in the School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships area for over 13 years, including joining the Educational Pathways Program as an SBAT Engagement Officer during the pilot phase.

Joyce - Being one of the Head Teachers in the pilot phase of the program has been a privilege and an asset especially seeing the program grow from pilot to program. Prior to the EPP, I had over 10 years of experience working with students in careers and transition.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Sarah - Helping my Head Teacher with administrative duties to help students gain job experience.

Suzanne - Working with a great team to assist students take a step ahead with their chosen career through a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship and having the privilege of mentoring the students throughout their SBAT.

Joyce - Networking and working across all EPP initiative leads to see students take opportunities that would not have been available to them if it wasn’t for EPP.

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

Sarah - A challenge would be when students pull out of courses.

Suzanne - The benefit of the Educational Pathways Program is that we have the time to promote opportunities to students, schools and employers. Our biggest challenge would be overcoming barriers to traveling to workplaces and training, while a lot of employment locations are only accessible for students via multiple connecting public transport options.

Joyce - There are many opportunities as well as challenges across all schools. Through the EPP, we have been able to collectively work as a team to support students that have barriers to participate in the various programs.

What is your proudest achievement in the role so far?

Sarah - Organising events and gaining new skills.

Suzanne - Seeing students commence an SBAT as well as witnessing them complete Year 12 and continue with their apprenticeship or enter into full-time employment post school.

Joyce - Bringing schools and stakeholders together through the Careers Immersion Team meetings and to further run programs across the network of schools. Seeing a progression of students take part in the various programs across the EPP initiatives, to explore various careers and see them further pursue a vocational pathway.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sarah - Spending time with my children and family and going on adventures.

Suzanne - Spending time with family and friends.

Joyce - Enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.

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!

Sarah - Shellharbour is a place we go regularly and would love to live there as it is close to the beach. I also love going on holidays up the coast such as Forster and South West Rocks.

Suzanne - Visiting coastal towns, love spending time at the beach!

Joyce - Drinking a hot cup of tea on top of a mountain whilst watching the sunset.

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

Sarah - TV shows would be Sinner and The Night Agent.

Suzanne - Dream Big, Imagine The What If by Kylie Captain.

Joyce - I enjoy watching documentaries, but my favourite movie is Chariots of Fire.