MEGT Institute

Community partnerships have made a big impact on lives

Fiona — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:55:56 +0000

Having a disability can throw all sorts of challenges in the way of an individual enjoying the respect and personal fulfilment of taking their place in the workforce and achieving their potential.

This is where the partnership of the business sector, community groups, government and the individuals themselves can ensure those challenges are met and overcome.

Hobart businesses K&D Warehouse, Howards Storage, Tackle Us, Italian Pantry, The Lansdowne Cafe, Harris Scarfe and Carat Zoo deserve to be recognised and praised for working alongside Cosmos Inc and MEGT Institute to provide the practical work experience a team of 10 locals with disabilities needed in order to achieve their Certificate I or II in Retail qualification.

Martin Leeson, winner 2011 Tasmanian Training Equity Awards – Vocational Student of the Year with John Nathan, Director, MEGT Board at last year’s graduation

‘The confidence the students build throughout the program is remarkable,’ explains Nicole Gayewski from MEGT Institute. ‘This collaboration of support services, training provider and businesses was a program funded by DHHS and Skills Tasmania. It was designed to allow young people with an intellectual/developmental disability the opportunity to undertake nationally accredited qualifications in a supported environment, and in a manner relevant to their learning needs.’

Such was the success of the initial program that it has been extended to more people and even those who had previously graduated through the pilot have had the opportunity to complete a higher qualification. Plans are underway to develop and tailor a Certificate I Hospitality course in addition to the existing programs.

On 8th May 2012 there will be a double graduation ceremony – for the Certificate I graduates and for those who went on to achieve their Certificate II.The Hon Nick McKim MP, Minister for Education and Skills and The Hon Cassy O’Connor, Minister for Human Services will both be present to celebrate with the graduates, friends, family and supporters.

Given the program’s success, increasing interest and value of the Skills Potential Program it is hoped that it will continue to be supported and given every opportunity to grow and provide further education opportunities to students with intellectual/developmental disability.

Harmony Day

Fiona — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:45:24 +0000

To start off our celebration of Harmony day, the student council, magnificently organised a cat walk for all to “strut their stuff”.
At first, everyone was a little shy to show their moves, but once one person was up, the rest followed. Students and staff showed Victoria’s Secret models how to really ‘walk the walk’.

All were very supportive and encouraging of their classmates and colleagues as they fought back their fear of stage fright. Whether they were walking down the tinsel lined catwalk alone or with friends, everyone had a giant smile (or pout) on their face.

After all the good laughs, the Student Council congratulated our winner, Samita Kalia, with an overnight stay in a 4 star hotel for 2. Although she was shocked and surprised, Samita gladly accepted her award.

Then it was time for the geography quiz. Students had to answer 10 questions about the world, its populations and cities. With many giggles and ticking brains, the quiz was completed and scores were added up. Our lucky winner Sona Vlasakova received the award for achieving 9 out of 10 questions correct. Winning a 3 course dinner for 2 at The Boulevard, Sona received her award with a smile on her face.

With plenty of laughs from everyone, games run by our friendly student council, good food brought by staff and the fantastic hospitality students running the Piccolo Cafe, the day was enjoyed by all those who participated.

Thank you to all those who joined us and supported Harmony Day!

Colombian delegation impressed with MEGT Institute

Fiona — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:42:59 +0000

The country of Colombia is looking to Australia for advice on how to increase the skills of its people through vocational education and MEGT was at the forefront in helping show a delegation how the system operates in Australia.

The Colombian leadership group visited our Melbourne City Campus and Trade Skills Centre in Ringwood on 2 March 2012.

The visitors were extremely impressed, with the knowledge and understanding they gained, with the passion and enthusiasm of the staff and with the standard of our training facilities.

Our Colombian staff help out

Diana Naranjo, MEGT’s Student Support Services Officer from our Melbourne City Campus, was on hand to assist with any of the tricky translations from Australian vernacular. “It was my pleasure to support the visitors,” said Diana. “I am very proud to be involved in what could be the first step towards improving the education and social system in my country Colombia.

“They acknowledge how passionate we are at making a positive change on education, employment, training and social support.”

Global Education – offers lot more than just studies

Fiona — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:47:20 +0000

The corporate world demands proficiency and perfection in every field. Thus, education has become important in shaping one’s career. The world is highly competitive and those who have right skills sets can survive in this professional world. Every country is going global which means that countries are open to one another. Hence students need world class education to succeed. That is where the idea of global education rises. Education plays a prominent role in overall national growth. Therefore, all countries are emphasizing in bring up superior quality of colleges and universities. In search of better education students have started flying from one country to another.

Advantages of a Global Education

When it comes to studying higher education global education is the most popular among students of almost all age groups. This adds weight to their resume. There are various courses which students prefer studying abroad like MBA, Engineering, Medicine, Animation, etc. besides getting higher education from international universities global education also adds a lot to students’ life which makes them more intellectual and ready to face all kinds of challenges in life.

Global education helps students to be self dependent. Students who are studying in various countries get an experience to live away from their home on their own. This makes them self reliant. Every country has its education systems and being the part of these education systems is always helpful.

Critical thinking

The ultimate benefit of global education is that it facilitates critical thinking. It helps students to judge between right and wrong. This is important for all the professions. Students who are critical thinkers find easy to understand problems better and they come up with better and effective solutions. Apart from academics, global education is helpful in making students confident and extrovert. This helps them in being mentally prepared for every aspect of life.

The most popular education hubs among students are United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Students from all across the world are frequently flying to these destinations to get better education. In the field of global education, Australian universities are continually captivating students.

Source: Shomik Gupta

Campus Manager raises money for Cancer research

Fiona — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:42:51 +0000

Please support My Ride to Conquer Cancer…
Hi team,

Yes, I’m at it again!

Over the past few years, I had made a commitment to improve my health by entering events that would also benefit others. This year I am throwing all my fund raising efforts into benefiting the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA and have committed to raising over $3,000 by riding over 200 km in The Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer® in October.

This cause is so important to me, and I really want to be a part of the cure. Cancer has touched too many families and taken too many lives already. We need to take action against this disease, and I am committed to making a difference.

I’ve learned that the only way to be successful is to set goals and start!

So, I have begun my training and my fundraising and am hoping that you may be willing to support me via a donation? All funds raised go to this worthy caused and assisting, the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA to be a world-class cancer treatment and research facility that provides integrated care and support services to public and private patients. Your efforts will help Lifehouse transform cancer treatment for Australians through an environment thriving on discovery, research and uncompromising care.

To find our more about The Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer® and the efforts your donation helps support at conquercancer.org.au.

To show your support and make a donation, please Click here to visit my personal page.

Or if you are Sydney based and would like to join me on this epic adventure, please contact me: tony_patterson@megt.com.au

Thank you again for your support and for cheering me on!

Cheers,Tony

Free English language support

Fiona — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:55:42 +0000

MEGT Institute is now offering a free English Assistance Program. The program is designed to support international students who need extra help with their speaking, writing, listening, reading and grammar. The free 2 hour weekly sessions are being run by qualified English language teachers from ABILITY English and have had great feedback from students who have already started the program.

Program topics

Depending on students needs the following topics are often provided:

Written communication

Explain, evaluate and analyse information
Note taking
Referencing
Present information professionally
Grammar
Clarifying essay and assignment questions

Oral communication

Use of tone and pronunciation when reading
Presentation techniques

Times for free English language assistance sessions

At Sydney City Campus the English Assistance program is run every Wednesday 3.30pm – 5.30pm in room 7.

For Melbourne City Campus the program is run over 2 x 1 hour sessions per week, Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00pm and Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, on level 2, in room 9.

Students need to have a referral form from their trainer in order to attend the program. For more information please contact your trainer or Student Services.

Count down to International Student Year award – as reported from our own Finalist

Fiona — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:58:21 +0000

Mr. Andrew Stoner, Deputy Premier of NSW and our finalist Server Ince

2012 The International Student of the Year Award media call was held at Victoria Park NSW on Thursday 23^rd of February. I and most of the finalists from different categories attended this event with Mr. Andrew Stoner, Deputy Premier of NSW, as well as some reporters from local media on a beautiful and sunny day. Some nice photographs were taken individually, with all the finalists and Mr. Stoner.

I felt very excited, responsible and proud in my MEGT t shirt to represent my school in this meaningful competition.

I had an opportunity to have a small talk with Mr. Stoner about history and his passion to visit Turkey, my country, in the near future which was amazing and valuable for me.

This experience has been getting very enjoyable to me especially after being selected as a finalist student in a new country. It is extremely fantastic to see and feel the support and assistance of MEGT team members’, and the students’ which also has reinforced my hope to be the winner of this award.

Come to the International Student Festival

I’d like to invite you all to the Victoria Park on Sunday 4^th March 2012 to join the festival, where the winner will be announced, to celebrate our achievement.

2012 International Student Festival this Sunday 4 March

Fiona — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:55:00 +0000

All international students are invited to participate in the International Student Festival being held this Sunday 4 March in Sydney.

The NSW Government is supporting the 2012 NSW International Student of the Year Award and the 2012 International Student Festival, recognising the importance of international students and supporting their experience while in NSW.

Location and time of International Student Festival:

The festival runs from 11am–4pm at Victoria Park, City Road, Broadway, Sydney NSW

The festival provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution that international students make to our community as a whole.

The awards recognise the contribution that students have made to our community through their service beyond the classroom.

International student of the year finalists (including our student Server!)

The member finalists have been announced and congratulations go to:

Server Ince from MEGT Institute in the VET category, for his commitment to environmental and sustainability projects, Lucyta Surjakusuma from Sydney School of Business and Technology in the VET category for her work with the Red Cross organising blood donation events for fellow students, Thant Thitsa (Vicky) Aung from Sydney Institute of Business and Technology in the Higher Education category for her work in organising activites for the SRC to promote student engagement with the community, and Siwen Chen from Carrick Institute in the higher education category for her contribution to the Carrick library, SRC and the Australian Chinese Student Committee.

The award winners will be announced at the festival with Premier Barry O’Farrell presenting the awards. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on the main stage at 12 noon with media and photo opportunities. It is expected Education Minister Piccoli will also be in attendance.

Fun events at the festival

The festival will include a variety of live entertainment on stage, games, activities, information stalls and food and beverages. It is a fun and supportive event aimed at engaging with new and continuing international students, their families and friends as well as domestic students and the education community as a whole.

You are invited to come along, join in the activities and celebrate the contribution of our international students.

Festival program updates visit the International Student Festival Facebook page.

Source: ACPET

English language teacher leads fund raising for Indonesian school

Fiona — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:08:58 +0000

MEGT people raised funds for much needed English text books for an Indonesian school. This began when Nicola Gray, Director of studies at Ability English’s Melbourne campus, spent her recent holidays as a volunteer English language teacher on beautiful Gili Trawangan Isle, near Lombok in Indonesia. The school had only one English language text book per primary class.

On return, Nicola determined to raise funds for more English text books for her former students. David Windridge, CEO of MEGT (Australia) Ltd generously offered that MEGT would match $ for $ whatever amount was raised by our people.

Group effort from MEGT Education

And what could be a more Australian way to raise the necessary money to buy the text books than a barbecue? Nicola organised a sausage sizzle for people from all MEGT departments on a sunny Thursday in early February on the balcony of MEGT Institute’s Melbourne City Campus. Folk attended from across our educational organisation, including Ability English, MEGT Institute, Workforce Planning, the Australian Apprenticeship Centre, Finance, IT and Facilities.

Says Nicola Gray, “It was great to meet the challenge of raising funds for the books to help the children in Indonesia. A very real side benefit was the enjoyment of socialising with our colleagues, comparing notes about what everyone in our widespread organisation does.”

With MEGT matching the money raised by the get-together, sufficient funds were raised to provide the much needed 120 books.

Because international tourism is vital to Gili Trawangan’s economy, it is important to its children’s future to speak international languages, especially English. The text books will help ensure the children will, in time, secure worthwhile jobs.

The students and teachers of Gili Trawangan’s primary school have sent a message thanking Nicola and MEGT for their books.

Hospitality students open a new café

Fiona — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:34:29 +0000

As part of their course, MEGT Institute Certificate III Hospitality students have taken on the challenge of setting up, marketing and running a café.

Through a series of team brain storming sessions and meetings, the students came up with the name Piccolo cafe (little cafe). Students devised a marketing strategy to advertise the new café to fellow students and campus staff. The marketing was so successful there were customers lining up out the door and around the corner.

The initially nervous students rallied together and to not only survive their first day, but successfully served a total of 68 cups of coffee to satisfied students and staff.

Practical coffee making skills

Piccolo café will now be serving coffees to the students at Sydney City Campus every Tuesday for the morning break.

The cafe will be ongoing throughout the semester to ensure students gain practical experience by actively being involved and responsible for the cafe operation.