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TEC provides career path for Shannon

A few years ago Shannon Jukes was at risk of dropping out of secondary school but has turned his life around and is now completing a Diploma of Graphic Design at GOTAFE.

Shannon was disengaged from school was when he was directed to the VCAL program at the Shepparton TEC in 2009. While enrolled in the VCAL program he had the opportunity to participate in the Big Picture program which opened up a new way of learning for Shannon.

Finally feeling connected to education Shannon threw himself into the program, participating in activities with GOTAFE's Koorie Education Unit Cultural Arts class, including working on the Mural Project at Gowrie Street Primary School for NAIDOC week.

Shannon also completed a graphic design project for the Koorie Cycling program by designing a logo for the group. He also sold his art at exhibitions "Celebrating Indigenous Art and Culture" at GOTAFE and Koorie Heritage Trust, Melbourne. He also received a Highly Commended from Indigenous artist, Vicki Couzens for his art.

Having developed more confidence from his experiences Shannon became an ambassador for the Big Picture program and travelled as far afield as Perth and Tasmania as well as to Warragul and locally to speak about his experiences to schools, teachers' workshops and service groups.

At the 2010 graduation ceremony in Shepparton Shannon was awarded the Learning Skills Unit Outstanding Student of the Year for 2009, evidence that he had excelled academically at his studies.

His experiences with education and training changed Shannon's direction in life and were the catalyst for him to enrol in the Diploma of Graphic Design at GOTAFE this year.

Now more than half way through the first year, 21 year old Shannon is excited about his future prospects. "I have discovered and developed skills I didn't know I had and the course is hard work but a lot of fun as well," said Shannon.

"I have already had job offers so when I finish course I know I can walk straight into a job," said Shannon. "I love learning and I would like to gain the work experience but do more study and become a teacher one day."

"My advice to other young people who are not sure of what to do with their lives is to have a crack at everything and see where it leads. These days you do need a qualification to get a good job and the course has been really valuable in opening up opportunities for me," said Shannon.

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