Students gain hands on experience at TAFE

Shayla Somer Penola  TBW Newsgroup
STYLING OPTION: Penola High School's Shayla Somer tries hairdressing at TAFE SA Mount Gambier's Try A Skill day.

Shayla Somer Penola TBW Newsgroup
STYLING OPTION: Penola High School’s Shayla Somer tries hairdressing at TAFE SA Mount Gambier’s Try A Skill day.

SKILLS were tested last week at TAFE SA’s Mount Gambier campus as students from across the Limestone Coast joined together to “Try A Skill”.

The institute’s second Try A Skill day was deemed a success with students from Penola High School attempting new skills at the regional campus.

Exposing students to different career pathways, around 160 youths from Mount Gambier, Penola, Millicent and Allendale East combined for a hands-on approach to a broad range of industries.

Penola High School’s Shayla Somers was one of many students to test new skills on the day.

“I tried beauty, hair and hospitality,” Shayla said.

“Although I have not decided exactly what I want to do just yet, it was fun to give it a go.

“But so far I have really enjoyed beauty as I was always interested in that side of things.”

Shayla grabbed the unique opportunity with both hands as activities allowed her to learn different beauty techniques, as well as hair styling and hospitality tips.

The days aims to give students who do not have direct access to a TAFE campus in their town – such as Penola – an opportunity to learn about the different skills and trades the campus offers.

“Locally, there is a growing demand for skilled workers and we are looking at encouraging young people to consider a trade as a possible career option,” TAFE SA Limestone Coast regional manager Tania Plunkett said.

“By giving them the opportunity to come in and learn about different program areas and try some different activities.”

Students were also introduced to Limestone Coast training providers who gave further insight into potential career pathways.