BUSINESS studies students from The Laurels are aiming to raise money for a local welfare organisation during an open day today.
As part of studies at the Bacchus Marsh community college, students must complete a community engagement program.
Teacher Debbie Kerr says an open day has previously been a good way to engage residents.
Today’s event at the Main Road college includes a sausage sizzle, morning tea and raffle to support Ballarat’s Child and Family Services (CAFS).
“The students organised it all on their own and chose the charity to donate the money to,” Ms Kerr says.
CAFS manager Paul Huggett says money will go towards welfare programs which help young people in the community.
“It’s wonderful these students are undertaking this business endeavour and supporting a cause.”
CAFS staff will be at the open day with mascot Wozzle the Bear and information about their services.
Hospitality and retail students have also helped by catering the event, doing the promotion and organising raffle prizes.
“The outcomes we’re achieving are working as a team, taking financial control to work out budget projections, designing the event and conducting it,” Ms Kerr says.
The project has been hands-on, with students having to interact with businesses and present themselves to the community.
Ms Kerr says The Laurels’ courses are “absolutely vital” to engage students who have found other forms of training or education unsuitable.
She says the courses, especially certificate II in business and retail, will be affected by recent state government funding cuts.
“It will be a tragedy to see such work-ready courses significantly diluted by recent government funding cuts to TAFE courses.”
The open day starts at 10.30am.
