Success Stories

Hannah Watson ('18)

Graduated with Cert II in Salon Assistant and SACE

Hannah Watson proved she was a cut above the rest when she was named 2018 Apprentice of the Year for Marcellin Campus.

Throughout her hairdressing studies Hannah was a shining example of dedication always striving to achieve her best grades. Her extra efforts outside of school and work hours meant she was able to graduate one year ahead of schedule.

Hannah started with Marcellin's Head Start program in 2017 and completed all her trade schooling modules through Clip Joint Education. Her outstanding achievements were acknowledged further when she was shortlisted for the 2018 SA Training Awards for Outstanding School Based Apprentices.

Having graduated with flying colours, Hannah is now employed at Aveta Hair & Body.

Jayden Plowman ('18)

Graduated with Cert II in Metal Engineering and Fabrication and SACE

Despite wanting to learn a trade, Jayden also had a personal ambition to complete Year 12 studies after moving to South Australia from interstate. Being able to attend Marcellin Campus helped him achieve his two goals of completing Year 12 and receiving training towards certificates.

Every Monday, Jayden attended school for training; the rest of the week he worked at Rodney Plowman Restorations, alongside his dad. He has always been interested in cars and had found an automotive apprenticeship in New South Wales but moved before signing the paperwork. "I've always been in the shed working with (dad) since I was a little kid, working on cars helping him put them together,'' he says.

In less than two years, Jayden will have completed the necessary training and will be fully qualified to work as an engineering tradesperson. He says being able to finish SACE while learning a trade is useful.

"I'm the first one in the family to get to finish Year 12,'' Jayden said.
"It was a good opportunity to finish Year 12 while I was doing my work to get certificates,'' he says. "A good fabricator will never be without a job.''

 

Lucas Kennedy ('14)

Graduated with Cert II in Automotive Servicing Technology and SACE

"Try taking a left instead of a right on your next adventure and you could see different opportunities arise at some of the most unexpected times."

This is the advice Lucas Kennedy ('14) and TEC Systems & Scheduling Coordinator at the Motor Trade Association of South Australia offers current students.

Lucas joined Marcellin Campus for the HeadStart Program in 2012, graduating in 2014 with his SACE, a Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology and the title of Automotive Student of the Year.

In Lucas' current role, he coordinates training and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) schedules along with the information and data systems used at the MTA in their RTO training and compliance practices. Lucas enjoys speaking with students about the exciting opportunities that are always emerging in the automotive industry and guiding them towards their career outcomes.

Lucas credits his time at Marcellin for the life skills and work ethic that he has today. He remembers the trade trainers pushing him to be a better version of himself and to look at negatives as a learning opportunity and grow.

Luke Mitchell ('12)

Graduated with Cert III in Animal Studies and SACE

Former Marcellin student Luke Mitchell (12') followed his career path to the Adelaide Zoo where he is now employed as a Zoo Keeper and Presenter.

Luke, who says he has wanted to work with animals for as long as he remembers, completed a Certificate III in Animal Studies at Marcellin Campus in 2012. He particularly enjoys the variety of animals he has the opportunity to look after and learning about their unique personalities.

Luke said Mr Kempson left the largest impression as a teacher/mentor at Marcellin due to "his support, assistance and endless belief in my ability to achieve which has stayed with me long after leaving MTC".

When asked about advice for current students Luke said; "If you have a passion and you know that it's what you want to do, do everything you can to achieve it. If you're not sure about your exact goals, realise that's okay; take time to see the many different possibilities you have available to you and find which one suits your personal style".

Photographs courtesy of Adelaide Zoo

Tom Denton ('11)

Graduated with Cert III in Metal Fabrication and Welding and SACE

'The Marcellin curriculum gave me exposure to valuable experiences, face to face interviews, resume & cover letter writing and made me workforce ready through work placement.'

Graduating from Marcellin in 2011, Tom Denton gained experience in various industries throughout his school and work career. Tom is now employed as a maintenance technician with BHP at Olympic Dam enjoying a work-life balance of one week on one week off.

As a student, Tom was first exposed to metal fabrication and welding during his work experience with AGL at Torrens Island Power station. During his final year at Marcellin, he was a successful applicant out of hundreds with the Australian Submarine Corporation as a boilermaker/welder apprentice. He credits Marcellin for providing him with a work-ready skill set to secure this position.
After several years in the shipbuilding industry, he began work in the mining industry working his way up to Site Supervisor with Ahrens Olympic Dam. This year he was headhunted by Kaefer Integrated Services as a Project Supervisor for their Filter Press Project overseeing multiple disciplines including civil construction, mechanical fitters and boilermakers.

With his already extensive career experience, Tom recently returned to the mining industry, accepting a position with BHP with hopes to continue to demonstrate his leadership ambitions.

Kale Scott ('09)

Graduated with Cert III in Electrotechnology and SACE

Kale obtained his Certificate III in electrotechnology with Marcellin in 2011. After graduation, he completed several courses to attain his electrical contractors' license and learn business management with Marcellin.

He now has his expanding tyre business Scott's Tyres and window tinting business, with multiple employees.

Michel Diratani ('08) 

Graduated with Cert III in Automotive Servicing Technology and SACE

'I don't know where I'd be without Marcellin'
Michel Diratani ('08) graduated from Marcellin with a Cert III in Auto Mechanics. During his schooling, Michel underwent work experience with 10 different employers with the aim of securing an apprenticeship. He took away skills from each location, enhancing his initiative and confidence in the workplace.

Upon graduating he secured himself a Diesel Mechanic apprenticeship with the City of Onkaparinga council where he has been for the past decade. He is now undertaking the role of Contract Surveillance Officer for Waste and Recycling.

Evan William ('08)

Graduated with Cert II in Carpentry and SACE

Marcellin (formerly ATEC) pioneer student Evan Williams knew from a young age he wanted to be a Carpenter, but what he didn't know was that it would lead him to the Hospitality and Events industry!
After completing his apprenticeship, Evan continued his studies with a Cert IV in building through the Master Builders Association and moved to London. Upon his return to Australia Evan jumped back into his Carpentry career and started a side hustle in the entirely new industry to him, Hospitality and Events.
Fast forward three years, Evan & his wife Jess have a successful event business with several hand built or restored pieces available for hire. Hire pieces include Willow the Caravan Bar, a Champagne wall, Olive the Prosecco Cart, arboured picnic tables and the newest member of the family Sunny the Dutch Trike available as an ice cream, coffee or speciality cocktail cart.
See more at vintagecaravanbar.com.au

Luke Biermann ('07)

Graduated with Cert II in Automotive Servicing Technology

'I genuinely love my trade. I'm lucky to find something that I'm interested in and also challenges me.'

From a pioneer student of '07 to owner of Mechanical Seal Engineering Pty Ltd, Luke Biermann always knew he wanted to follow in his family's footsteps by becoming a 5th generation mechanic.
During his time at Marcellin (then ATEC), Luke has fond memories trialling different trades with the support of teachers like Mr Petrucci. To pursue his dream, Luke gained an apprenticeship, his Cert IV, then enrolled into night-school for his diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
Luke encourages students interested in a vocational pathway to 'do as much work and work experience as you can, the more you get out there the more confident you will get'.