From Racing to Real-World Skills: An Innovative Approach to Certificate II in Workplace Skills

How Victory Christian College is turning racing passion into vocational learning pathways

Making Learning Relevant

Victory Christian College has been part of the Energy Breakthrough program for nearly a decade. After COVID prompted a reset, Richard expanded the Victory Racing Team (VRT) to include Year 9 and 10 students. The College asked for an academic component to strengthen the program, and Richard saw an opportunity.

By embedding the delivery of the Certificate II in Workplace Skills learning into racing activities, students could link their love of sport and engineering with vocational skills that prepare them for future study, apprenticeships, and employment.

Real-World Learning in Action

Each unit of competency is delivered through authentic racing contexts:

• Time Management (BSBPEF202): Students balance training schedules with studies, supported by guest speakers in corporate team-building.
• Health & Safety (BSBWHS211): Hazard assessments of race environments and safety protocols for trikes make risk management immediately relevant.
• Communication Skills (BSBCMM211): Students research local businesses and pitch real sponsorship proposals, gaining face-to-face industry experience.
• Financial Transactions (SITXFIN007): Fundraising through Krispy Kreme drives and hot dog stalls brings budgeting and profit margins to life.
• Digital Technology (BSBTEC202): Students create media packages, promotional videos, and parent evening presentations using modern workplace tools.
• Sustainability (BSBSUS211): Recycling schemes and reusing trike chassis highlight environmental and cost-saving benefits.

Building Industry Connections

The program thrives thanks to genuine partnerships. Local businesses don’t just donate; they mentor.

• Wattle Racing shared design insights and industry expertise.
• Former students offered advice on balancing study, sport, and career.
• McCulloch’s Hydraulic Engineers provided professional training in painting, machining, and maintenance while opening doors to potential work experience opportunities.

These collaborations ensure students experience industry expectations first-hand, while businesses see real value in supporting the program.

Real Outcomes, Real Impact

The impact is clear:

• Zero withdrawals from the program despite busy calendars.
• A student who once considered leaving school transitioned into a diesel mechanic apprenticeship, inspired by his role on the pit crew.
• Students developed leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills under real race pressure — from handling presentations before judges to repairing trikes mid-race.

By contextualising the learning, Richard has turned theory into practical skills that matter beyond the classroom.

Lessons for Schools

Victory Christian College’s success shows that:

• Curriculum becomes powerful when linked to student passions.
• Authentic leadership grows naturally through meaningful responsibility.
• Industry partnerships must provide mutual benefit to be sustainable.

As Richard expands the program into a two-year cycle, more students will benefit from this innovative blend of sport, enterprise, and vocational training.

The Future of VET Engagement

The Victory Racing Team is proof that VET in Schools doesn’t have to be separate from student interests, it can be fuelled by them. By making skills training fun, practical, and connected to the community, schools can unlock pathways that might otherwise remain hidden.

The IVET Institute congratulates the Victory Christian College Racing Team and looks forward to seeing their continued success at the Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough, November 2025.