GRIFFITH high school students sunk their teeth into a range of different trades to get a real Taste of TAFE last week.
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The one- and two-day courses, which included first aid, child studies, metals and engineering, automotive, business studies, wine laboratory operations, construction and nail technology and hairdressing, were conducted for students in years nine to 11, with Griffith High School and Marian Catholic College taking the opportunity to be part of it.
School engagement officer for the Griffith cluster, Josie Marks, said the aim of the Taste of TAFE program is to provide students with an insight into studying through TAFE, including those considering vocational education (TVET) for years 11 and 12.
She said across the Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera campuses, 215 students got a Taste of TAFE.
"Taste of TAFE helps high school students make decisions about their future careers," she said.
"The main aim is to get them thinking about options post school. Griffith high sent mostly year 9 students because they would be thinking about TVET courses to consider.
"For some, this is the first time they have been to the campus. The workshops were very, very practical and allowed the students to use some of the equipment.
"The schools have been very responsive in looking to give students as much opportunity as they can."
Marian Catholic's Megan Rossiter chose to spend a few days in the beauty department.
"I chose beauty because I thought it would be a great experience," she said.
"It is something I'm interested in doing.
"We have been able to do manicures and pedicures on each other so we can get an idea what it is like."
Head of the department of hair and beauty Tania Cavanagh said the demand for hair and beauty this year meant that they had to create a third class.
"We have tried to keep things really practical to give them a feel of what it's actually like," Mrs Cavanagh said.
"In hairdressing they get to shampoo and blow-dry each others hair and use straighteners and curlers and in the nail room they have done pedicures and manicures.
"The numbers have been surprising. We had 45 students over the two days in this department."
