Treasurer Sees Confidence, Capability and Opportunity at St Patrick’s Technical College
St Patrick’s Technical College was proud to welcome Federal Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP and local Member for Spence Mr Matt Burnell MP to the College this week, providing an opportunity to showcase the unique pathways our students are pursuing and the opportunities that emerge when young people are given the chance to succeed in an environment that suits them.
The visit came about after the Treasurer contacted Matt seeking recommendations on where he should visit within the local community. Matt’s immediate response was St Patrick’s Technical College – a reflection of his confidence in our students, staff and mission, and his ongoing support for vocational education and training pathways.
A highlight of the visit was a conversation between Year 12 student Amelia, who is pursuing her interests in metals and engineering, and the Treasurer. Amelia asked what gave him confidence that her generation would have opportunities equal to or greater than those enjoyed by previous generations.
Dr Chalmers’ response spoke not only to Amelia, but to everything St Patrick’s Technical College stands for.
Rather than focusing on economic indicators, industries or policy, the Treasurer pointed to the students themselves. He spoke about the importance of choice, resilience and showing up when challenges arise. He praised Amelia and her fellow students for choosing a pathway that keeps doors open and creates opportunities for the future.
Importantly, he recognised that for many St Patrick’s students, the most significant decision they make is not selecting a trade or industry pathway, but choosing to persist with education when mainstream schooling was not the right fit.
“The most important choice that you will make is not whether you do metals and engineering, electrical, construction or automotive,” Dr Chalmers said. “It’s whether, when you weren’t enjoying mainstream school that much, you gave it away or tried something different. You’ve actually already made the most important choice you’re going to make.”
He concluded by telling Amelia and her fellow students, “You genuinely do give me confidence.”
For Principal Danny Deptula, the Treasurer’s comments captured the essence of the College’s mission.
“At St Patrick’s Technical College, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, find their purpose and pursue meaningful pathways to employment and further education. Hearing the Treasurer acknowledge the courage and determination our students have shown in choosing a different path was incredibly affirming. His comments reflected exactly what we see every day – young people who have chosen to show up, work hard and create opportunities for themselves.”
The College also extends its sincere thanks to Matt for helping facilitate the visit and for his ongoing support of the St Patrick’s Technical College community. Matt’s advocacy for vocational education and his confidence in the College’s mission have been instrumental in creating opportunities for our students and ensuring the value of trade and technical education is recognised at the highest levels.
The College is also grateful to Matt for donating a new Australian flag, which now proudly flies on campus as a visible reminder of community, opportunity and service.
Throughout the visit, the Treasurer and Matt engaged warmly and authentically with students, asking questions, listening to their stories and showing a genuine interest in their experiences and aspirations. Students spoke confidently about their trades, their career goals and the opportunities afforded to them through the College’s industry-based model.
The visit served as a powerful reminder that confidence in Australia’s future can be found in classrooms, workshops and training centres where young people are being equipped with the skills, character and determination to succeed.
At St Patrick’s Technical College, we see the potential of our young people realised every day.
When students are given the opportunity to find the right pathway, they don’t just build skills for a job – they build confidence, capability and choices for life.
