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Invigor8ing Education

Invigor8ing Education overview

Invigor8ing Education is a supported, practical semester program with interactive participation in a training or workplace environment.

The program aims to provide a practical applied learning option for small groups of Year 8 students who need help with their school engagement.

Our goal is to increase student awareness of the value of vocational pathways and help them gain important transferable skills for use in education and workplace settings. 

To find out more, call us on 1300 699 622.

Training and workplace immersion

This program offers students an engaging experience in Trades, Hospitality and Community/Leisure with industry specialists and are guided by qualified youth workers in a supportive environment.

  • Community/Leisure

    Students have access to a variety of workplace environments within Y Leisure City, Epping, gaining hands-on experience across hospitality, including the café and reception desk; sport and recreation, including the swimming pool, gymnastics and sports centre; and childcare through the creche.

  • Trades

    Students gain experience in trade skills through qualified trainers at Melbourne Polytechnic Epping Campus. Trades can include Carpentry, Bricklaying and/or Painting and Decorating.

  • Hospitality

    Students will experience what skills are needed to work in Hospitality, while also acquiring their Barista and Food Handling certificates.

Benefits

  • The program provides a nurturing environment which aims to build self-esteem and self-motivation.

  • Program participants gain valuable experience in work readiness skills such as punctuality, responsibility, cooperation, communication, collaboration, creativity and problem solving.

  • Specialist Youth Workers actively support students throughout the program and regularly update the school and families on a student’s progress.

  • Students receive a Graduation Certificate and Statements of Achievement providing a comprehensive account of accredited skills attained during the program.

Requirements and referral process

  • Students are referred by school staff and undergo an interview with program organisers.

  • Parents accompany students for an information session prior to the commencement of the program.

  • Students commit to participating in the induction process and full semester program (approximately 16 weeks).

  • Students will need to be able to make their own way to and from the program venues except where otherwise advised.

  • Students will need to wear suitable clothing (such as safety boots for trades) and agree to the OH&S regulations associated with the course or venue.

  • Students, parents and school staff will be invited to a graduation.

Invigor8ing Education is a partnership program supported by The Y Whittlesea, City of Whittlesea Youth Services, Whittlesea Youth Commitment and Hume Whittlesea Local Learning Network (HWLLEN).

A young barista in a black YMCA shirt preparing coffee at a commercial espresso machine in a cafe.
A group of students and an instructor participate in a hands-on bricklaying workshop inside a workshop space with brick walls and scaffolding.
A lifeguard in a red and yellow uniform stands poolside, smiling and giving a thumbs up, next to a person in a dark hoodie, both at an indoor swimming pool.
Students participating in a hands-on bricklaying workshop, spreading mortar and stacking bricks on a workbench inside a classroom setting.
Young person pouring milk from a bottle into a metal jug in a commercial kitchen setting with tiled walls.
Smiling employee wearing a YMCA lanyard stands behind a reception desk with swimming goggles displayed on the wall behind.
Five people stand with their backs to the camera, wearing matching black hoodies with a large 'Y' printed on the back, outside a modern building.
Smiling young person with a topknot hairstyle, wearing a light green shirt and pink towel, making a peace sign indoors at a sports or recreation center.
A woman in athletic clothing punches a heavy bag in a gym, mid-motion, surrounded by workout equipment and other gym-goers in the background.

Download and print resources

We have a 6 page DL brochure and an A4 flyer for you to download and provide to your families and communities. Click the button/s below to download the resources.

Person assembling or repairing a wooden piece of furniture, focusing on their hands as they work with the wood structure.

“Can’t we just come back here everyday or do another year, this place is awesome and exactly what I need. This is the way I learn”

Invigor8ing Education - Year 8 Student #3