Friday January 15, 2021

Tech college’s top students

Schools

An Automotive apprentice and an Information Technology student have been named the 2020 top students at St Patrick’s Technical College.

Friday January 15, 2021

Friday January 15, 2021 Comments

Comments Print article

The outstanding achievements of the Class of 2020 were recognised during a graduation and awards dinner at Sfera’s Park Suites and Convention Centre in November. As well as presenting students with their Year 12 graduating certificates, winners of sponsored individual awards totalling more than $10,000 were announced.

Automotive student Steven King received the prestigious Max Davids Award – Apprentice of the Year, named in recognition of the significant contribution made by Max in the founding and development of the college.

Steven was also awarded Automotive Apprentice of the Year.

“Feedback from Steven’s employer is that he always shows a great interest in his work and enjoys getting in and finding out how something operates,” said principal Danny Deptula.

“His trade ability as an apprentice reflects his attitude, and both are at a high level for a first-year apprentice.

“At school, Steven has always set himself up for success. A popular student, he was among the first school-based apprentices to complete all of his SACE requirements.”

Information Technology Student of the Year, Michael Kayal, with Wendy Burford from Totally Workwear Salisbury, sponsor of the award, and college principal Danny Deptula. Michael also received the Principal’s Award – Student of the Year.

Michael Kayal was also acknowledged for his outstanding studies during 2020, receiving the Information Technology Student of the Year Award and the Principal’s Award for Student of the Year.

Upon completing his studies, Michael has gained a full-time Information Technology Networking traineeship through Maxima Group Training.

“As a student at St Patrick’s Technical College, Michael has always gone above and beyond. He is a curious and passionate learner who has excelled in both his SACE and VET studies,” said Mr Deptula.

Twenty individual awards for outstanding students and apprentices in their respective trade areas were presented on the night.

Meanwhile, in what was a record breaking year for the college, St Patrick’s reached 100 apprenticeship sign-ups in 2020.

“After celebrating our 1000th apprenticeship commencement at the start of the year, we have achieved the remarkable milestone of 100 student apprenticeship commencements in one year. This shatters the previous record of 90 commencements way back in 2010,” said Mr Deptula.

“In a year like no other, the college has achieved outstanding results in producing our ‘Industry Leaders of Tomorrow’.

“To cap off the year, the college’s gifted and talented students also achieved, for the second consecutive year, 100 per cent SACE completion.”

Currently South Australia’s only stand-alone Year 11 and 12 vocational education and training (VET) college, in 2021 the college opens its doors to Year 10 students eager to commence their trade-focused secondary education in pursuit of vocational education and training options.