Advance Community College turns 35!!
The foundations of Advance Community College were laid in May 1980 when a group of concerned Mornington Peninsula residents had a public meeting to address the youth unemployment issue. From that meeting a working group was formed to investigate funding opportunities to support ‘at risk’ young people. It applied successfully to run a Community Youth Support Scheme (CYSS) - a federal government program to assist young people in improving their lives. That commenced on May 26, 1980. Rosebud CYSS became an incorporated association and re-named itself Peninsula Training and Employment Program Inc. (PTEP)
The CEO of Advance Community College, Steve Wright, was employed as the Project Manager of Rosebud CYSS and has been with them ever since. The organisation has always had a strong community focus and an ethos aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged unemployed. It has delivered a large number of programs including CYSS, Skillshare, Job Network, Community Jobs Program, Job Clubs, Work for the Dole, New Work Opportunities. It became a registered training organisation in the early nineties under the Victorian State Training Board (now VRQA).
Peninsula Training and Employment Program Inc introduced a trading name Advance in 2012 and now trades as Advance Community College. This reflects its core business of providing training and education services to the community. It is a registered Senior Secondary provider and delivers VET, VCAL and middle school, alternative, educational programs to more than 1,200 learners per year.
Advance Community College enjoys a solid reputation and has a strong community network. It delivers services at three, full time sites across the Mornington Peninsula, employing more than 30 staff.
CEO’s footnote - I have been very fortunate in having great staff and strong Board support. This is a key factor to our success, sustainability and reputation. It was also a key factor when I was going through a serious health issue and could not work on site. It culminated in a successful double lung transplant four years ago. I am now back at work and enjoying the never ending challenges and changes.
