Patrick Fry - Winner
VCAL Senior
Patrick Fry is a young man of tremendous potential, who has used vocational education to launch a career and help the community during tough times.
In 2021, Patrick was promoted to Team Leader at The Reject Shop Chadstone. He credits the work-related skills and confidence he gained at Holmesglen’s Vocational College for the achievement.
During his course, Patrick also completed community service at All for Smiles Ability Services, an NDIS provider.
“Since the beginning of Vocational College, Patrick showed himself to be very dedicated to his studies,” says Holmesglen’s Lily Smolenskaya.
Patrick is also looking forward to using his vocational skills when working as a game-day volunteer with the NBL’s South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Zara Sajadi - Finalist
VCAL Senior
Zara Sajadi says Holmesglen’s Vocational College inspired her to pursue a criminology and justice degree, which she started in 2022.
Zara’s teachers observe that she has strong leadership and communication skills, and an even stronger work ethic – all qualities she displayed during her VCAL experience.
She completed community work experience at The Salvation Army and helped her peers support homeless people at a pop-up coffee cart, working together with youth service StreetSmart.
Zara stepped out of her comfort zone during her VCAL studies and enjoyed exploring new study areas, such as hospitality.
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Stefan Boetzel - Finalist
VCAL Senior
Stefan Boetzel’s Vocational College teachers describe him as a dedicated student, who maintained a flawless attendance record during his Intermediate and Senior studies.
Stefan came to Holmesglen to build his confidence and achieved this through face-to-face and remote learning and numerous group activities.
“Stefan strived to focus and engage with his peers and teachers alike and listened to everyone’s ideas and encouraged them to be active participants,” says teacher Dianne Gaut.
In his spare time, Stefan is an avid train enthusiast and would like to use the skills he has gained during Vocational College to further explore this passion.