Jacinta's interest in electronics helped forge a career

Since high school Jacinta Sapwell has had a keen interest in electronics and electrics. In 2009 she enrolled in and completed an Advanced Diploma of Electrical - Technology UEE61307 at VU Polytechnic.

“I have always been interested in electronics and electrical work, so I enrolled in VU's Advanced Diploma of Electrical - Technology. Getting my qualification in 2010 helped me to secure my first job – a three-year traineeship as a Radio Technical Officer with Airservices. The role was great and gave me the chance to work and travel all over Australia.

"After becoming a fully qualified Radio Technical Officer through the traineeship, I took up my current role as Apprentice Signal Maintenance Technician with VLine. My role as a signal technician requires me to maintain and correct faults at level crossings and signals, and in other pieces of equipment out in the field. 

"VU was the training institute of choice for VLine so I returned to complete my Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30811 (now offered as Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30820.

"The best thing about VU Polytechnic [The former name for our TAFE courses] is the quality of teaching. The teachers are all very happy to help you out and enjoy sharing their knowledge. Since most have been out in the industry in which they teach, they have a better understanding of what is expected out in the field which is very helpful to students.

"My long-term goal is to get my A Grade electrician’s licence and complete my apprenticeship to become a qualified Signal Technician.”