Habitat for Humanity ** Fundraising event hosted @ MEGT Institute

 On Wednesday 26/10/11 the MEGT Institute Sydney Campus was proud to host the fundraiser event “Habitat for Humanity”.

The event was organised as “high tea” style and aimed to raise funds for people worldwide devastated by natural disasters and in need of shelter.

What a great cause to get our students and staff members involved in!

Big “Thank You” to Mimi Symons and her delicious pancakes, Carmel Williams and her lovely cup cakes, Marike Janavicius and her light & healthy date slices, Aero Cai and her infamous cheese cake, Bill Hetherington and his cute biscuits, Jessie Liu and her colourful macaroons, Irish Liong and her delightful “3 flavours” cake and all other staff and students who kindly devoted their time to this cause.

Special mention to Kristy McNair for her enthusiasm in planning, organising and promoting the Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Tea within MEGT Institute.

  Thank you for your participation and donation!

EMILY HODGE WINS THE BAW BAW SHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS – YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD

Emily Hodge, a school-based trainee from Warragul Regional College, is employed by MEGT Group Training and works on location at Sally J Real Estate in Warragul.

MEGT Group Training is proud to have supported Emily throughout her school-based traineeship. Emily will commence a full time traineeship completing Certificate IV in
Real Estate at the end of the year.

As a Group Training Organisation, MEGT is proud to work with Gippsland businesses in developing their workforce by placing and supporting local people through the traineeship program, whether it be school-based, full-time or part-time.

MEGT Group Training would also like to acknowledge the support of Mike Jungwirth – Workplace Learning Co-ordinator with the Baw Baw LLEN in coordinating the Young Achiever’s Award.

Fun experiences at Work Placement! Hear from the Diploma of Hospitality students

Hospitality students @ the Bayview Boulevard Sydney

Housekeeping work experience by Natalia Tostes

“I think, when we started our housekeeping work placement we were a bit shy and afraid but after a few days we were all having fun!

It was good to experience the Hotel “from the inside” and its operation on the day to day routine.

Housekeeping is really hard work! We definitely learned to appreciate the hard work that all housekeepers perform and we will take this appreciation with us in our future careers.”

Natalia and Nina @ BBS work placement

Developing skills by Yelvi

“Hi MEGT! Thank you for the housekeeping work placement, it was great! We had fun and we learnt a lot about the back of house operations, not only in the Housekeeping Department but also in the Front Office.

We developed many skills such as “team work”, when we cleaned the rooms we worked in pairs.

The Bayview Boulevard Sydney provided us and our assessor complimentary lunch, which was a plus! Our assessor, Sashi Chander was very patient yet thorough when guiding us through our journeys as housekeepers.

One of many good things about this experience?

-          Now I know how to make my own bed with perfection! Thank you MEGT! (laughs)”

Yelvi @ BBS work placement

Valuable and broad industry experience by Chiori Kato

“Despite the physical hard work, my work placement at the BBS was a valuable experience and I definitely think that all Hospitality students should be trained in the back of house of a hotel.

Working as a housekeeper gave me more knowledge about other departments as well such as Front Office, Food & Beverage, Maintenance and Reservations.

The experience gained from this placement will be useful to further my studies and my career.”

Team work by Nao Toyonishi

“This was my first experience in a hotel, as housekeeper. It showed me that we can complete our tasks by working well in a team as we were divided into groups.

I now appreciate even more working in this sector specially considering that normally the housekeepers work alone!

This experience has most certainly changed my view of housekeeping….it was really great!

Nao and Chiori @ BBS work placement

Learning skills that are relevant to the industry by Phakavadee Fongtivong

“I am happy with the industry work placement outcome. I feel that I am able to demonstrate competency in this sector. Our learning experience was very detailed and relevant. I now observe and assess how a hotel bed should be made (hotel corner) and how the bathroom amenities should be displayed.”

Phakavadee @ BBS work placement

Changing perceptions by Yusko Zolim

 “I always thought that housekeeping was an easy job until I was able to experience myself. My work placement with the Bayview Boulevard Sydney showed me how important and methodical housekeeping is. I learned how to make the bed properly and how to clean the room according to the hotel standards and on time!

I learned how to work in teams and developed my communication skills. I really enjoyed my time as a housekeeper. It was hard work but we had lots of fun!

Yusko @ BBS work placement

We from MEGT Institute would like to thank the Bayview Boulevard Sydney Housekeeping Team with special thank you to Executive Housekeeper, Suzan Grace –  for training and looking after our students.

Mission Australia Trainee Awards

Inaugural Mission Australia Trainee Awards night at Melbourne Aquarium on Monday 3rd of October.
The awards to to acknowledge the efforts over more than 100 trainees that Mission has over the last couple of years across 3 different projects.

MEGT GT provided 22 trainees to Build the Vic Urban “POP UP PARK” at Dandenong.  These trainees all have a level of disadvantage in the labour market and were unable to gain work, 2 of our trainees were lucky enough to receive awards.
10 of our original 22 were taken by bus  to the event by Mission Australia and had a fantastic time.

Business links with school

A local business has joined forces with Pakenham Secondary College [and MEGT Group Training] to provide on-the-job training and job opportunities for local students.

Pakenham Secondary College student, Keith Newling, has started a school-based apprenticeship arrangement at Middy’s Pakenham branch, enabling him to comibine his Year II VACaL studies with accredited training and on-the-job experience.

Keith had been working at electrical supplier Middy’s on a casual basis, but was excited about the opportunity to sign up as a school-based apprentice under the pilot scheme.  [MEGT Group Training employs Keith and has placed him with Middy’s.]

“It’s a great opportunity for me to develop new skills and to learn about all aspects of running a business,” Keith said.

Middy’s Pakenham brand manager, Derek Page, said the trial program offered benefits to both local students and the business.

“As a business based in a country town, we like to employ local people,” Mr Page said. “This program gives us the opportunity to support our local students and schools, and get young people involved in meaningful training.”

Middy’s will set up trial placements at its Warragul and Bairnsdale branches following the successful implementation of the Pakenham program.

[Prue Leighton, Industry Employment Consultant with MEGT Group Training has been working closely with the school, Middy’s and students to establish around 10 regional placements for 2012.]

Story courtesy Pakenham Star
Thursday 1 September 2011

National Skills Week at MEGT Institute

On Wednesday 5^th October, MEGT Institute held an event for a new initiative; National Skills Week. National Skills Week is a collaborative approach dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning. It focuses on enabling all Australians to gain a greater understanding of their opportunities, their potential and how they can contribute to a successful, modern economy.

MEGT Institute has always encompassed the value “learning by doing” and that practical skills are as important as academic learning and provides many paths to success, this collaborative approach was extremely relevant and needless to say successful. The event was held at MEGT Institute Sydney Campus utilising the college’s onsite cafe and facilities. It was a great day filled with numerous activities, which not only provided attendees with entertainment but showcased MEGT Institute Hospitality, Children Services and Business student’s practical skills they have learnt throughout their courses.

During the day we had a variety of activities and entertainment, such as bar flaring and coffee demonstrations. MEGT Institute Hospitality students served food and beverages to our guests through the MEGT Network Cafe run solely by the students, which further developed their practical skills they have been learning through their course. MEGT Institute Children’s Services students set up a fun time corner with play dough making and painting area where many guests released their inner child.

Thanks to the members and guests who attended the launch and to the MEGT students and trainers for a fabulous display of skills and learning in action. A special mention to ACPET , Chair Martin Cass and NSW Committee members and guests who launched their Social Inclusion case study booklet to coincide with this event. The presentation by Ron Maxwell (Western College) was both inspiring and informative and provided guests with the knowledge and importance of social inclusion. This ensured all who attended the event came away with a better understanding of social inclusion and ACPET’s commitment to inclusive teaching and business practises that supports diversity and the people who overcome it.

We would like to thank our Industry guests for their support and insightful discussions to students throughout the event;

• Susan Grace – Housekeeping Manager from Bayview Boulevard Sydney
• Anna Pavoni –  Ormeggio and Spiedo
• Brendan Lloyd – The Food Society
• Melissa Son – Expect a Star
• Elizabeth  Whitcomb –  KU Phillip Park Centre

Congratulations to all MEGT staff, trainers and MEGT Institute students who helped make National Skills Week so successful. MEGT Institute looks forward to continuing their support of campus events and getting involved in more initiative projects! Visit us on www.megtinstitute.com.au to find out more about MEGT Institute.

Australian Endeavour Executive Award winner, Vivienne Medway says “Hello from the UK”!

Ashley Langdon, Vivienne Medway and David Windridge from MEGT (Australia)

Loughborough College

Radmoor House

“Hello from a sunny Loughborough in the UK. I began my Australian Endeavour Executive Award in London by attending a conference on the implementation of the UK approach to early childhood education called the Early Years Foundation Stage which has many similarities to our Early Years Learning Framework. After London I met up Ashley Langdon & David Windridge ( MEGT ) and Steve Rankin & Gill Heyhoe (Loughborough College).

It has been a fabulous learning opportunity as well as an information exchange with the early childhood students, early childhood centre staff & managers, lecturers, Gill Heyhoe & Steve Rankin( my hosts) &  Jim Mutton (Loughborough College Principal). The weeks here are going so fast!

I went with some of the staff & the new Diploma students to spend a day at Beaumanor Hall for a team building experience using outdoor activities including an obstacle course on high ropes! I volunteered to be chief photographer .Each day has been busy sharing our Early Years Learning Framework either in the class room or out on site at  an early childcare centre. I will be able to show the photos of examples of their natural outdoor learning environments when I return.

The gardens & parklands here a very green with lots of birds & the occasional inquisitive squirrel! I also have the pleasure of watching &  hearing the old steam trains pass by my accommodation daily on the Great Central Railway.I have another 10 days here then I will be visiting Stockholm to learn more about the Swedish outdoor learning environments for young children.

Hope all is going well for the start of term 4 …. watch this space for more photos!

Vivienne J “

We here in Sydney are very proud of your achievements Vivienne, congratulations and looking forward to hear more about your overseas adventure!

Congratulations Maria on your paid internship in a child care centre

Maria Maryaretha from Indonesia,  successfully completed her Diploma of Children’s Services at MEGT Institute (Sydney Campus) in February 2010. Since then Maria has had her OTV (Occupational Training Visa) approved and accepted and is now currently employed full time at the Montessori Academy Childcare Centre as a childcare worker.

Why did you decide to study in Australia?
I love Australia being a cultural country with so many open minded people with a lot of freedom. I am very grateful to be living in such an accepting country with so many opportunities.

How did you hear about MEGT Institute?
I heard from friends that studied at MEGT Melbourne that had such great ideas and specifically I loved that it was a specialist Child care college. Not many places had such a great reputation and also offered children’s services.

What was the best part of your course?
The best part of the course was the interaction with other students. I had the best trainers that were so experienced and had so much knowledge about the industry.

What is the best part of your job?
Interacting with the children is the best part of my job. I love teaching the children things and seeing them start to learn on their own it makes you feel confident you are making a difference and being successful in your industry. I eventually want to open up my own child care centre in Indonesia and bring back all the skills I learnt from MEGT Institute.

What did you learn at MEGT Institute?
MEGT was the classroom environment, the work placement really helps you to understand the theory I learnt in class. The different nationalities in the course made it really fun and helped me improve my English. MEGT assisted me in achieving my goals as they were helpful throughout the process and structured everything. I have already recommended MEGT Institute after my great experience there. All the lessons and theories were so useful and helped me find a full time job, it got me exactly to where I want be. The teachers were fantastic and I was continually updated on regulations and I am extremely confident in knowing that I am a good teacher after all my studies at MEGT Institute.