Jake Brady, Ararat Secondary College
Jake demonstrated consistent dedication and enthusiasm throughout his VCE Vocational Major studies, combining academic success with strong community engagement. He completed Units 1–4 of VCE General Mathematics alongside a Certificate II in Agriculture at Longerenong College, regularly commuting from Ararat to attend classes. This commitment reflects his clear focus on pursuing a career in the agricultural industry.
Jake’s passion for farming was the driving force behind his Personal Development Skills Community Project, ‘Farmer’s Night Out’—an event aimed at addressing mental health challenges faced by local farmers working in isolation. He organised guest speakers, secured local media coverage, and served as Master of Ceremonies, providing a supportive space for farmers to connect and discuss shared concerns. This project has had a positive and lasting impact on the community, highlighting his leadership and empathy.
Alongside his studies, Jake gained valuable employability skills through a work placement on his family farm and part-time employment at Woolworths in Ararat. He further developed communication and professional skills by taking part in a mock interview coordinated by local employers and the Grampians LLEN.
With a strong practical focus, Jake has embraced learning experiences that align with his goal of working on the family farm. His academic achievements, maturity, and community contribution mark him as a positive role model ready to make a meaningful impact in agriculture.
Angus Cassidy, Mazenod College
Angus Cassidy embodied excellence in his VCE Vocational Major program through outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and remarkable resilience.
Angus chose a non-traditional pathway, completing a Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion, and Textiles at Holmesglen Institute. Here he mastered design and sewing skills while undertaking a self-sourced work placement with fashion designer MM Sohn. Through his placement, he gained practical industry insights through hands-on experience at their retail store and design studio. Concurrently, Angus excelled in Certificate II in Engineering at Mazenod College, balancing both programs with dedication and adaptability.
As an unofficial VCE VM ambassador, Angus has actively promoted the program. He represented it at information sessions, by contributing to school publications, and through mentoring peers.
Angus challenged stereotypes and inspired inclusivity. He pursued fashion design and turned personal challenges into strengths. Angus’s extraordinary resilience won him Student of the Year at the 2023 Mazenod College VCE VM Outstanding Achievement Awards.
Angus’ employability skills flourished through his work on projects, customer engagement during work placement, and leadership roles within his school community. He is now advancing his fashion studies at TAFE in 2025, with ambitions to merge his engineering knowledge with sustainable garment design.
Bonnie Gordon, Kaniva College
Bonnie exemplified exceptional leadership throughout her VCE Vocational Major program, significantly elevating the profile of applied learning at Kaniva College and within the wider community. As a passionate advocate for the VCE VM, she has actively challenged outdated perceptions of vocational and applied learning, championing the program’s value alongside more traditional VCE pathways.
Bonnie’s academic achievements are impressive. In addition to completing the VCE VM, Bonnie challenged herself by doing VCE Business Management via distance education. She undertook a Certificate II in Agriculture and commenced a School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) in Business with West Wimmera Shire Council. Bonnie thrived in her SBAT. By demonstrating maturity and a strong work ethic, she progressed rapidly to a part-time Accounts Officer role before finishing school.
Bonnie’s leadership and community engagement skills were exemplary. She led a series of successful school and community events with her Personal Development Skills class to raise funds for FightMND. Bonnie held influential roles on the student representative and college councils, helping to develop policy and school values. As a Rural Youth Ambassador, she also represented regional youth at state-level forums, engaging with senior government officials.
Outside of school, Bonnie actively participated in local sporting clubs and agricultural societies, applying her organisational and digital skills as a club publicity officer and event steward. Her ongoing community involvement, combined with a clear career focus and resilience, highlight her capability as an outstanding vocational learner and young leader.
Grace McKay, Rowville Secondary College Western Campus
Grace demonstrated focus and discipline throughout her VCE VM program. She balanced school, trade training, part-time work, and a School-Based Apprenticeship in the automotive industry and was recognised nationally as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Outstanding Trainee of the Year.
In her workplace, Grace earned the trust of her employer. She worked independently across the workshop and contributed to the team’s efficiency and her initiative and ability to learn quickly saw her take on a wide range of responsibilities.
At school and in her trade training, Grace was known for her strong work ethic, organisation, and willingness to support others. She used her experiences to help classmates better understand vocational pathways, and her presence encouraged peers to explore less traditional careers. This led to other students starting apprenticeships in trades they initially thought were out of reach.
Grace is also active in her community, volunteering her time to support elderly residents and sharing her experiences to promote vocational education. Grace believes that learning is a lifelong opportunity. She continues to explore future pathways in agriculture and rural work, with a clear plan to use her skills to benefit others.
Ruben Migotto-Brown, Mallacoota P-12 College
Ruben achieved excellence in his VCE VM program through a broad range of academic, vocational, and community activities. He played a leading role in the Coota Sun Surf Screen social enterprise project, producing an all-natural sun protection product sold locally to support cyclone-affected communities in Vanuatu. This initiative showcased his ability to apply practical business skills in a meaningful, community-driven context.
In addition to completing his VCE VM, Ruben has undertaken a School-Based Apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery at the Mallacoota Pub and is progressing strongly toward becoming qualified. His commitment and performance were recognised with a Head Start Vocational Award – one of only four awarded across Gippsland.
Beyond his culinary achievements, Ruben completed a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation and the demanding Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate. This reflects his drive to explore multiple vocational pathways and Ruben’s ability to manage competing priorities and maintain high standards across both academic and industry-based learning.
Reuben demonstrated his passion for sustainability and social impact by participating in the Young Entrepreneurs Program and contributing to bushfire recovery projects. His ability to balance multiple qualifications alongside active community involvement and part-time work underscore his work ethic and maturity.
Through these experiences, Ruben has excelled academically and vocationally and contributed meaningfully to his community. His achievements demonstrate the value of practical learning, community engagement, and pathway exploration in vocational and applied learning programs.
Lock Morton, Northern College of the Arts and Technology
Lock is an exceptional student leader whose achievements span academic excellence, technical innovation, and impactful community engagement. Elected both School Vice-Captain and VCE VM Student Leader, he consistently inspired peers through confident public speaking, inclusive leadership, and initiative across school-wide events and projects.
Lock led multiple successful initiatives, including a student-run Halloween café. He coordinated teams, surveyed peers, managed vendor communications, oversaw food preparation, and resolved technical issues under pressure. Lock also led the design, production, and distribution of the Year 12 jumper, ensuring every student’s voice was heard through surveys and group collaboration.
Lock also demonstrated a strong commitment for the arts and sustainability. He championed CouchFest projects, including a book and clothing swap that promoted recycling and environmental awareness. Lock’s commitment to making a difference led to fundraising for charities such as Kids Under Cover and Challenge. In so doing, he strengthened student engagement with social causes.
Alyssa Vella, McClelland College
Alyssa’s remarkable achievements in her VCE VM program combined hands-on industry experience, entrepreneurial initiative and community leadership. Through a series of Structured Workplace Learning placements across the timber and cabinetmaking industries, Alyssa developed practical skills, earned strong praise from employers, and adapted confidently to a range of professional environments.
In addition to her technical growth, Alyssa has leveraged her platform as a successful social media content creator with over 100,000 followers bridging her trade experience with digital marketing. She produced promotional content for businesses she worked with, including filming and editing videos that promote the cabinetmaking trade to broader audiences. Alyssa’s work was recognised with both the Peninsula Applied Learning Association Industry Award and McClelland College’s Excellence in Industry Award.
Alyssa is a strong advocate for women in trades. She mentors peers, shares her journey in presentations, and actively promotes inclusive career pathways. Her craftsmanship is evident in her yellow box timber desk project, now displayed at her school, which has sparked interest among other students in pursuing vocational careers.
Alyssa set an example for her peers and the broader school community through her strategic career planning, dedication to personal growth, and commitment to challenging gender stereotypes in trades. Her consistent work ethic and adaptability to different work environments will ensure Alyssa is well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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