A $6 million vocational school campus in Bundaberg has officially opened, offering a flexible education pathway for students seeking an alternative to mainstream schooling.
The adjusted education program is tailored to those who struggle in conventional classrooms with a mix of typical high school subjects, certificate courses, wellbeing and life skill sessions.
“Our mission is to positively engage young people in education and lifelong learning in an inclusive environment, empowering them to become well rounded, confident and healthy human beings who are able to gain employment or enter into further education,” says YMCA Vocational School Principal Rella Taylor-Byrne.
Almost 30 students in years 10 – 12 already attend the Bundaberg facility with enrolment numbers growing rapidly.
“The demand for our school has grown exponentially since inception due to an increasing need and our overwhelmingly positive impact on students and their families,” Ms Taylor-Byrne says.
“We continue to grow, evolve and adapt to remain effective in catering for the changing needs of our young people in an agile landscape and unique communities.”
With a mix of typical high school subjects, certificate courses and other supportive programs, students are able to thrive and find a career pathway they are passionate about pursuing.
Bundaberg is the 10th YMCA Vocational School campus in Queensland.
“The Y completed extensive research to establish that there was a need for additional opportunities for individualised education in the local community,” says Jana Hadlow, the Y Queensland Business Services Manager.
More than $6 million has been invested into the new Vocational School campus, with $1,450,000 of funding received from the Australian Government under the Capital Grants Program (CGP) and $118,000 in Commonwealth EIS Funding.
Enrolments for the YMCA Vocational School are open all year round.
