 Practice Firm Update August 2006
The Official Launch July 26:
The Honourable Minister Kosky officially opened TOLL Virtual Victoria last Wednesday week at The Grange P-12 College. Overall, the event was a great success.
Approximately 60 guests attended on the day, from relevant industry and educational sectors. Guests heard presentations from TOLL Virtual’s CEO Ashley Vella, the team leaders from each of the virtual departments, followed by TOLL Ipec’s General Manager, Rodney Johnston and The Minister for Education Lynne Kosky.
The TOLL Virtual Victoria students were delighted to have their efforts acknowledged and recognised by industry and community.
Special Mentions:
Malinda Powley, year 11 student from Galvin Park Secondary College:
Malinda has been a shy student throughout the year, having to get to know a whole class of new faces from a different Secondary College. On the day of the launch, Malinda presented for the first time ever, not only to her class mates and teachers, but to a room full of corporate guests. This can be a daunting experience for any student at the best of times but Malinda pursued the experience with little prompting. Malinda also signed in guests at the beginning of the launch.
Jade Fuss, year 12 student from The Grange P-12 College:
Jade has excelled in the program since the beginning of the year. Jade undertook a one week work placement at TDT Victoria in the first week of her school holidays so that she could assist in the large task of organising the virtual business’s launch. During placement Jade wrote a letter to Minister Lynne Kosky, asking her to launch the virtual business, to which the Minister accepted. Jade also uploaded the pictures for the TOLL Virtual Victoria website and the services for sale.
Jade is now preparing for her next work placement this month at TOLL Ipec, one of TOLL Virtual Victoria’s mentoring organisations. Jade is currently ahead in the VET course. She has completed most of her homework, far before the due date and she often assists other students in completing tasks.
Sandra Avellino, VET Co-ordinator, The Grange P-12 College:
Sandra has exceeded her duties as the host school’s VET co-ordinator and class teacher for the year 11 Business course. In support of the students getting maximum benefit from the TOLL Virtual program, Sandra has given up her own time throughout the year on a number of occasions. TDT Victoria appreciates Sandra’s on-going support.
Sandra will be on leave for the next 5 weeks. The Grange has arranged for substitute teachers to cover the class during Sandra’s absence.
NEWS
TOLL Mentors:
Human Resources Development Manager of TOLL Ipec, Geoff Jackson has provided continuous support throughout the project and leading up to the launch. Most recently, Geoff has arranged for TOLL Virtuals’ first student placement at TOLL Ipec. Year 12 student Jade Fuss will undergo a one week work placement this month. Work placements at TOLL Ipec will be sought by additional students throughout the rest of this year.
TOLL Fleet Management’s Brett Godbee arranged payment and delivery (from Sydney) of the students’ TOLL Virtual t-shirts that were worn proudly on the day of the launch.
Media Support:
TDT Victoria employed consultants from Mediawise to stimulate local and commercial media coverage of the launch. In response to the efforts of Mediawise, photographers and journalists from each of the three local newspapers (The Werribee Banner, Star and Times) attended the launch.
The Herald Sun - Ashley Vella, CEO of TOLL Virtual Vic appeared in the learning section (p.33) last Tuesday August 1st ,along side an article about her experience in TOLL Virtual Victoria.
The Age has contacted TDT Victoria and will be publishing an article in their mentoring section of
The Saturday Age during the in the next month.
The Werribee Banner printed an article reviewing the launch, along side a photo of Ashley Vella and Minister Kosky last Tuesday August 1st (p. 26)
Werribee Hoppers Crossing Star printed a review of the program and its launch. This article may be viewed on the Werribee star Website by visiting www.senews.com.au/star/werribee-hoppers-crossing
The Werribee Times printed an article along side a photo of all of the TOLL Virtual students with Minister Kosky, last Tuesday August 1st.
EVENTS
August:
CEO changeover:
Ashley Vella will step aside hand over the position of CEO to Galvin Park Secondary College student, Claire Lindsay this Wednesday. Claire has previously undertaken roles in the Sales & Marketing and the Operations departments. In her new role as CEO, Claire will be addressing the cost schedule, increasing sales and team building. Ashley will be moving to the Administration department.
TOLL Virtual Victoria will also be increasing contact with the Tasmanian firm in order to take a branch approach to the development of trading agreements.
September:
Victorian Supply Chain Excellence Summit & Careers Forum – 6th September 2006:
In collaboration with The Grange P-12 College, TDT Victoria has arranged for TOLL Virtual Victoria students to attend the careers forum in September. The students’ input into the event has not yet been finalised.
The careers forum is hosted by the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, in collaboration with Victoria’s transport, distribution & logistics industry (TDL). The purpose of the event is to showcase the TDL industry and promote the range of employment opportunities and career pathways available.
Upcoming:
Kim Winter, Group Managing Director, Logistics Recruitment (based in Sydney) has offered to visit TOLL Virtual Victoria and present to the students. We look forward to Kim’s expert input into the virtual business.
SPONSORSHIP SOUGHT
Student Accreditation:
TDT Victoria is seeking financial support to employ an RTO who can assess students for their Certificate I and or II in TDT Administration. TDT Victoria received a quote for $280 per student.
Program Funding on-going:
A sum of $70,000 is sought for the TOLL Virtual Victoria Practice Firm to continue for 3 years. |
