Navitas Skilled Future’s West Melbourne Colleges celebrate a milestone
The four West Melbourne Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) colleges recently celebrated a huge milestone, holding their first ever graduation ceremony in October this year.
Around 70 students, NSF trainers and special guests from all four colleges, which offer the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, gathered at the Sunshine college for this very special event. These colleges are the first NSF has opened in Victoria, with Sunshine, St Albans and Werribee opened in mid-2024, and Footscray opened in early 2025.
The SEE program helps students prepare for work, providing support and training in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
With the State Director of DEWR for the SEE program in Victoria, Bill Mollison in attendance, the students from many diverse cultural backgrounds showcased their achievements and talents. Students confidently spoke about their learning journeys – how they had started, and the difference the SEE program has made in their lives. Outlining the key success factors, they encouraged the audience to invite friends and family to find out more about this fully funded federal initiative.
The students were the highlight
“The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the students themselves,” said NSF’s Victorian SEE Regional Lead, Gagan Kaur. “With incredible courage and openness, they stepped onto the stage to share their journeys. Each story shone a light on the life-changing impact of education.
“For some, this was their first experience in a formal learning environment — making this ceremony a powerful reminder of just how far they’ve come.”
Celebrating student successes, culture and talents
Sharing about their cultures and learning about others is what many NSF students remark on when asked about why they enjoy attending classes, and the graduation did not disappoint.
The audience were treated to a fashion show from around the world, dances and songs.
With three employment providers who refer students to NSF in attendance, it was also an opportunity for them to see firsthand the difference the SEE program makes.
The college was thrilled the event was such a success, as it sets the tone for future celebrations of education, says Gagan.
She noted the Team Leader for the DEWR Victorian State Office for the SEE program, Elizabeth Simonovski, agreed with the proposition put forward by one of the student speakers at the event
“Education is power, and it can change the world. It all starts with us.”
For more information about courses that can improve your English and help you gain job skills, call Navitas Skilled Futures on 1300 798 111.