The Renewal Project is a large-scale building project at Trinity Grammar School. It’s a pivotal project, shaping the physical space of the school for years to come.
The undertaking has also allowed Trinity’s School Based Traineeship Program to continue its track record of providing great foundational career opportunities for students, right on the campus grounds.
As Senior School students stare down the barrel of their future careers, they are presented with a myriad of decisions that will see them take their first steps into ‘the real world’. The Careers and Student Pathways Office at Trinity is dedicated to facilitating connections and offering up opportunities that see these students gain experience, enhance their skills and home in on what they want to do next.
The students’ task? To seize the opportunities that come their way.
One such opportunity is the School Based Traineeship Program. Designed to give students studying Vocational Education Training (VET) subjects the ability to undertake training in conjunction with employment to enhance their skill level and future employment prospects while studying for their HSC and achieving an ATAR, the Program has been a staple of the Senior School experience for more than ten years now, with students completing School Based Traineeships in Hospitality, Information and Digital Technology, Electrotechnology and Construction.
“This Program is embraced by our VET students who are keen to make the most of the opportunity to put into practice the skills they learn in the classroom, in their employment during Years 11 and 12,” Ms Susan Draysey, Co-ordinator of Careers and Student Pathways, says.
“Working with this Program since its introduction more than ten years ago, I have seen the way the young men engaged with the Program step up and into the world of work, supported by Trinity and our partners with this Program, their employers. Without employers prepared to offer young people real time work experiences, the Program couldn’t exist.”
The Careers Team is constantly on the lookout to forge and strengthen connections with employers who are enthusiastic about working with Trinity students to make this Program possible. When the plans for The Renewal Project were first introduced, the Careers team pursued a new opportunity.
When Taylor was awarded the contract for the second phase of the School’s Renewal Project build, it included an arrangement for the Construction company to employ a Trinity School Based Trainee (SBT).
In December 2024, Hussien Zein (11He) took up this position, beginning his traineeship that will require him to complete 144 days of work prior to 31 December 2026. He will be working on site at Trinity throughout this time.
Alongside the completion of his VET competencies as part of his HSC studies, Hussien will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency from Training Services NSW, which may result in up to six months credit of time if Hussien chooses to take up an apprenticeship when he finishes Year 12.
While only a few months into the traineeship, Hussien is already thriving, enjoying the opportunities available, the variety of work, and the supportive team around him.
“The staff are kind, there’s always something to do, and I’ve already developed so many skills,” he shares.
From practical, hands-on tool skills to communication and problem-solving skills, the traineeship is providing a solid foundation for his future career.
“I’ve built strong bonds with my colleagues and improved my interpersonal communication. I’m also thinking more critically, making decisions and solving problems on the job.”
Mr Tim Christie, General Manager New Build at Taylor, says that it is a mutually rewarding experience.
“The Traineeship has provided a valuable opportunity to mentor and develop young talent whilst gaining fresh perspectives within the project. It has allowed the Taylor team to take on mentorship roles, strengthening their leadership and communication skills.
“We highly recommend involvement in programs like Trinity’s SBT. It should be approached as an investment: to the company and, more broadly, to the future of the industry. In getting involved, organisations can support the next generation of skilled professionals and contribute to enhancing their own workforce.”
