Jess Pendlebury – Australian school based apprentice of the year, 2011

Throughout both primary and secondary school, I think I’ve possibly changed my mind about what I wanted to do at least 30 times. I’ve gone from school teacher, to zoo keeper, to veterinarian, to forensic scientist, but somehow I always come back to wanting to work with animals.

In year 10, I had the opportunity to complete certificate II in Animals Studies Online. Through this course, I learnt about domestic and captive animals, and was given my first real clinic experience on structured work placement. It was within these two weeks, that I saw how a veterinary clinic was run, and how important veterinary nurses were to the veterinary industry. This was the period of time that I decided that this was the industry I wanted to be in and that I wanted to be a veterinary nurse or veterinarian.

After completing my Cert II, I was disappointed to find that there was no further study that I could undertake while still at high school. I really wanted to continue with my TAFE qualifications, as I tend to find traditional classes a bit boring and thrive when learn by ‘doing’ and using my hands. After a lot of time annoying school teachers, TAFE trainers and local vet clinics, I finally was given permission to complete my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing as an Australian School- Based Apprenticeship.

I personally think that completing my ASBA has been the best thing I have ever done! Looking back, I think it’s incredible the distance I’ve come as a Vet Nurse and a person. I have had the chance through my ASBA, to travel to Perth for the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia conference, gain hands on and theory based knowledge, gain personal skills such as confidence & public speaking skills and be involved in tutoring at my school, and enter the Victorian Training awards, which lead me to the Australian training awards.

Having only just completed year 11 and still being 16, I think that being to work in an environment which is fun, rewarding and challenging, but is also where I would like my future to be, is just amazing. I have had the opportunity to work with incredible Veterinarians and Nurses which have helped me be who I am today. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about completing an ASBA to go for it. It is an amazing experience which you cannot get anywhere else. Being able to complete high school and a TAFE qualification while working in your chosen industry, is an experience like no other. As well has having the opportunity to ‘Earn while you Learn’, you will also come out of High School with a TAFE qualification. Currently I’m about to start year 12 and finish both my VCE and my Cert IV. After 2012, I’m hoping to go to university to study Veterinary Science or the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. If it wasn’t for my ASBA, I wouldn’t have the experience and knowledge that I have now and I wouldn’t be the person I am now.