YMCA Vocational School
The YMCA Vocational School is a registered Non State School in South East Queensland that helps disengaged students find their place in the workforce.
The Challenge
To boost placement completion rates by offering students school-based apprenticeships and traineeships that fit their interests.

Head of Campus, YMCA Vocational School
“We were putting a lot of resources around the students but not getting the desired outcomes.
“Through the Apprenticeship Central website we’ve been able to start students on career pathways that align with their areas of interest.
“This tailored approach is very accurate and very successful in helping the students find their place in the workforce.”
The Solution
The Apprenticeship Central website: a resource designed to connect apprentices and employers, and with tools like the Harrison Online Career Assessment which compares over 175 job related traits in over 800 occupations.

Student, YMCA Vocational School
Jess loves working with animals and after taking the Harrison Career Assessment Jess now has the confidence to continue to study for a career in this pathway. Jess is already doing work experience working with animals.
“It gave me the reassurance as well that I was on the right track”.
“I was very surprised, I thought it knew me more than I actually know me”.
The Result
The YMCA Vocational School was wanting to complement its current services by using a career assessment tool to increase completion rates in apprenticeship and traineeship placements.
To better match student interests with career pathways, the school turned to the Harrison Online Career Assessment available on BUSY At Work’s Apprenticeship Central website.
The move has opened new potential work opportunities for many students, as well as giving confidence and direction to those like Jess Barrett who were unsure about pursuing a passion.
“The assessment was very accurate and it highlighted some of my strengths that I’ve overlooked,” Jess says.
“A lot of the jobs it recommended for me were around animal and community work, which is what I want to get in to.
“It reassured me that I was on the right track and gave me confidence in what I want to do with my life.”