BSSC students Mock Weston and Letitia Crowley were celebrated at the Bendigo Police station today when the Minister for Industry & Employment, Ben Carroll, visited Bendigo to see first-hand the success of its Jobs Victoria program.

The Minister was joined by the CEO of Skillinvest, Darren Webster, members of Bendigo Police, State Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, and BSSC staff, to hear how students Mock Weston and Letitia Crowley have excelled in their school-based traineeship with Bendigo Police.

The program is a joint initiative between Victoria Police and Skillinvest, funded by Jobs Victoria, and designed to give students meaningful work experience and exposure to the many aspects of policing while they complete Years 11 and 12.

Mock, who also studies VET Building and Construction and Legal Studies as part of his VCE, represented the college at today’s meeting and chatted with Minister Carroll about the traineeship and how it has changed his outlook on both the Police and the options available to him at the end of Year 12.

“It’s like being part of a big family, coming to work here each week,” Mock said. “I’ve been welcomed, and trusted like the rest of the team… I’ve learnt so much across so many aspects of policing.”

Mock’s go-to person at the Bendigo Police, Administrative Officer Sandy Gaffee, said it was great to see the confidence and skills both students have gained in their first year of the traineeship.

“Both Mock and Letitia have put so much in to their experience, and as a result, have taken so much out of it,” she said. “They are great assets to the team because they understand personalities and know how to respond to situations.”

Acting Inspector Leesa Johnson agreed.

“The level of professionalism they’ve brought to the workplace is a credit to them, their school, and their families,” she said.

Minister Carroll praised the commitment of both Mock and Letitia, in juggling a Certificate III in Business Administration with their senior school studies while becoming an integral part of the team at Bendigo Police.

“It’s a great example to other schools and police stations across the state where this program is being rolled out,” he said. “This collaborative effort between Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Skillinvest and Victoria Police is already making a positive difference in the lives of young Indigenous people.”