Harvester Technical College is creating Victoria’s next generation of dedicated tradies

Teenagers as young as 16 are getting on the tools at Harvester Technical College, the course so successful almost all its students are landing apprenticeships by the time they graduate.

Behind the doors of one of the last standing tech schools in Melbourne’s west are teachers mentoring the next generation of Victorian tradies.

Teenagers as young as 16 are getting on the tools at Harvester Technical College, a vibrant learning institution tucked away on suburban Suffolk St in Sunshine West.

The senior secondary school – which is part of neighbouring Sunshine College – offers a vocational pathway for year 10 to 12 students wanting to pursue a trade once they graduate.

But unlike mainstream education, school bells don’t exist, teachers are addressed by their first name and students are taught to operate tools and machines not found in the typical woodwork classroom.

Harvester Technical College is one of the last tech schools in Melbourne’s west and educates students with an interest in trades from years 10 to 12. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The Sunday Herald Sun visited the college which was bustling with young talent and passionate teachers educating the builders, electricians, engineers, plumbers and small business owners of the future.

Inside the school grounds, classrooms were surrounded by state-of-the-art workshops equipped with cutting-edge industrial tools and technology.

Ironed shirts and plaid dresses are a style of their younger years for the students, with their uniform including FXD and Harvester branded workwear, safety boots and other safety gear when required.

Students Amelia, Matthew and Angus make the most of the school’s wood working facilities. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

While the learning environment might sound like a TAFE, campus principal Trudy Whiteside said Harvester’s point of difference is that it gives students a “taste of the trades” in year 10.

Students can then acquire two Vocational Education and Training (VET) Cert II certificates in year 11 and 12, placing them in an advantageous position when applying for apprenticeships after they finish school.

“Technical colleges play a significant role in society by providing a specialised and targeted education for students who are interested in pursuing a vocational pathway,” Ms Whiteside said.

“Students who have a true interest in pursuing a career in the trades and completing their senior school certificate would benefit from enrolling at Harvester.”

Year 11 student Matthew using an oxy-torch. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Year 12 student and aspiring electrician Lachy said a typical day at Harvester begins with a vocational major subject — such as literacy, numeracy, personal development sport or work-related skills — before students “dive into” their chosen VET subject after recess.

Trade Training Centre Manager Peter Michelini said students can choose from five VET courses, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, engineering and more recently, small business.

“Our students can expect to learn relevant, contemporary skills that are in high demand by participating in very accurate re-creations of the workplace,” he said.

The VCE Vocational Major curriculum at Harvester Technical College is also heavily trade focused, allowing students to gain knowledge in different facets of the trade industry that might not be offered in mainstream schools.

“Everything that we teach and assess should be related to real world experiences,” Learning Specialist Tamara Zerafa said.

“Most of what we teach, we try to tailor to trade-related examples including (for the work related skill subject) designing a tool for the community from scratch using CAD software and a 3D printer.”

Year 12 student Lachlan and Year 11 student Amelia working in the electrical classroom. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Curriculum Manager Daniel Monigatti said literacy and numeracy skills were also crucial for students’ success and were necessary for working in the industry.

“Giving students opportunities to practise applying their numeracy and literacy skills and knowledge is essential for preparing them for success in the workplace,” he said.

Students are also supported by Careers and Pathway Coordinator Renee Bradford, with nearly all students leaving the school with either full or part-time employment, while a small percentage go into tertiary education.

“Many of our students leave here with trade apprenticeships … with students progressing to employment with large companies such as Powercor, Schindler Lifts, Stowe Electrical, Yarra Trams and Infrabuild,” she said.

Year 11 student Matthew chose to study at Harvester Technical College because he was interested in how the school simulated a workplace environment.

“Students are treated like we are employees and in return we are expected to behave as though we are in a workplace,” he said.

“Harvester also has a large focus on safety and making sure we always wear the correct safety gear and are taught the correct techniques and ways to do jobs.”

Year 12 student Harvey solders a copper pipe. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Year 12 student Harvey said he enjoys working on his own projects at the school once he’s completed his assigned work, while Angus, who hopes to work in the Landscape Construction field after school, said he loved how teachers were “always willing to lend a hand after school times to get work done”.

But it’s not just male students studying at the school, with Harvester Technical College home to a rising number of passionate female students.

“Although the number of female students enrolling at the college rises each year, we still have a way to go when it comes to the representation of women in the trades,” Ms Whiteside said.

Ms Bradford added the school continually supported young women interested in a trade by offering to take them to women in trade events where students can network.

“We continually encourage and support our female cohort to maintain a ‘can-do’ attitude,” she said.

Year 11 student Amelia is currently undertaking a Cert II in Electrotechnology, with the hope of becoming an electrician who works in the mines.

“My favourite thing about Harvester is how I can complete my senior years of high school and I get two certificates in my choice of trade,” she said.

“Once I finish Harvester, I will be leaving with guidance and a strong understanding of the career path I want to follow.”

Year 12 student Alana works a lathe in the engineering room. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Year 12 student Alana is also currently seeking employment opportunities in the electrical industry with a business management focus, and is encouraging other students who might want to go down a vocational pathway to make the move to a tech school.

“My advice to students who are thinking about potentially doing a trade in the future is to definitely make the move to Harvester,” she said.

“It is a very good starting point for you to gain the correct knowledge and skills.”

Harvester Technical College is a government school and fees are kept to a minimum, with additional TAFE training fees according to the particular industry training undertaken by the student.

Expressions of interest for the school’s 2025 program are also now open.

“My message to young people is if you are really thinking about becoming a tradie, this is the place for you,” Angus said.

“I would recommend a tour, the workshop will be the highlight.”

For more information on Harvester Technical College, visit the school’s website.

Originally published as Harvester Technical College is creating Victoria’s next generation of dedicated tradies