On the final day of Semester, Year 10 students and their parents from across Melbourne celebrated the successful completion of their six-month Multi-Industry Pathway Program (MIPP)at the AGA training facility in Deer Park.
The program offers students hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in a range of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. As part of their regular school curriculum, students attend the AGA Deer Park campus one day each week, engaging in both theoretical and practical learning. Students had the opportunity to explore plumbing, electrical and carpentry throughout the program and picked up their white cards along the way.
But for some students, one semester simply isn’t enough. “He wishes it would keep going. It’s his favourite day of the week—by far,” shared one proud graduate’s mother.
Throughout the semester, students collaborated to build a ‘mini house,’ applying their newly acquired skills across multiple trades. While proudly awarding graduation certificates, trainers praised the latest cohort for their dedication, teamwork and eagerness to learn.
VDSS Coordinator, Melissa Vella, believes the training not only equips young students with valuable hands-on experience and an introduction to careers in the trades, but also helps them gain a clear understanding of the educational and career pathways they may wish to follow in their senior years of secondary school. This experience lays a strong foundation for those looking to begin an apprenticeship after completing their college studies.
“Having the opportunity to work with tools and materials in a safe and supportive environment can be all it takes to spark a student’s interest,” Melissa said. “Based on the progress many students have made over the past six months, we’re confident they’ll want to keep building their skills and potentially continue toward becoming fully qualified tradies.”
Students now have the opportunity to continue in Year 11 (2026), with priority access to the Deer Park facility. This next stage includes a Certificate II qualification in their chosen trade, helping students make informed decisions about their future and supporting a smoother transition into apprenticeships after school.
AGA’s CEO envisions a long-term pathway for students: beginning with the Year 10 program, followed by two years in the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) program, and culminating in a four-year apprenticeship. The goal is to see these students flourish into skilled tradies through a structured six-and-a-half year journey at AGA.
We look forward to greeting the next cohort of 140 Year 10s later in July!
