A day to inspire Shepparton’s youth

By Djembe Archibald

Dec 8, 2023

Speedy: Undera Primary School Year 4 student Anton Lagana and Year 5 student Samuel Lagana. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A Tesla, a tractor, a chance to use the cop’s speed camera, virtual reality, a crane, and so much more.

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These activities were just some of many experiences over 600 Year 5 students enjoyed on Tuesday, December 5.

Greater Shepparton Secondary College hosted a Year 5 Aspiration Day with the goal of opening up opportunities for attendees and inspiring them to think about their careers.

Cleaning up: Undera Primary School Year 4 student Luke Sturrock. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

It was a hands-on learning day for all Year 5 students in Greater Shepparton to explore career and study paths in science, hospitality, construction, media and more.

Displays ranged from a prime mover to animal fat and a VR headset; the day promised to find entertainment for all attending students.

Good day out: Gowrie St Primary School Year 5 students Nashantha Gibbons, Kartel Joachim and Harper Edwards. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Project manager for the Shepparton Education Plan, Jenni Gibson said that the day was full of local businesses that made the day possible.

“Today we gather 600 Year 5 students together to inspire them for their future learning opportunities with some diverse and rich hands-on-learning today and experiences that been well supported by local industry,” she said.

“Our aim to help the students transition into secondary school and Aspirations Day is the start of their transition, so they will be have opportunities to transition further throughout Year 6.”

Look out: Gowrie St Primary School Year 5 student Seth Benjamin. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

One of the presenters was former GSSC student and current La Trobe University student Bethany Grey, who was one of the La Trobe presenters talking to the students about study pathways.

“We have University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and GOTAFE have come together to create what's like a mini careers conference for Year 5 students,” Ms Gray said.

“They can explore maybe if they're interested in careers and we're doing what's called ‘human bingo’ so they get to explore what universities like, what higher tertiary education looks like and what they could do with it.”