Marcellin graduates are ready to take on the world – celebrating their journey and success

At a recent seminar on future work and leadership, a discussion was focussed on whether leadership in the future will be like what we have experienced in the past. Many would say ‘Of course not, the world has changed, and leadership needs to adapt to the needs of the time and future’. But on further examination, not many were able to name what it is that needs to change and far too many are still holding onto age-old ideas and beliefs. Many still hold onto the fact that if you work hard get results and invest time and years, the organisation will allow you to advance and will reward you. Some believe that there is an entitlement to be promoted for years of service. This age-old practice and belief is now much further from the truth. Leaders for tomorrow are recruited based on attributes focussed on foresight, initiative, being creative and innovative, flexible, and adaptive to work situations and problems, people-centred and able to navigate the challenges with optimism and hope.

The last few years living through a global pandemic has taught us much about being strong and resilient, providing support and looking after workers and the community and importantly, being ethical and compassionate. We are so lucky to be in Australia, and not have encountered the destructive experiences of COVID witnessed overseas.

At Cardijn College we are conscious that our students must graduate with a mindset and skillset that prepares them to be leaders for the future. We count on them to step up and lead this country in whatever endeavour they encounter. We want our students to be insightful, impactful young citizens who are engaged to make a difference in the lives of their families, communities and indeed this nation. We want them to be empowered to collaborate and build a future that is based on positive relationships. Our students need to be future adaptive learners who can dynamically interact with ever-changing, complex and volatile environments. To be young people of integrity who uphold values which are about upholding the dignity of people, supporting those who are marginalised and to work for a better future as an ideal for everyone.

At Cardijn College Marcellin campus, our students graduate with a skillset and mindset to enter successfully into employment as critical and creative thinkers, ready to collaborate, communicate, access and analyse information, plan, organise and prioritise work. They are ready and able to put their technical knowledge and experience to the test, knowing that they are work-ready and on their journey to be fully-qualified and skilled in the employment pathway of their choice.

Our graduates have been educated and trained in a Catholic school that prides itself on Catholic values inspired by the Charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat and informed by our patron Joseph Cardijn who left us with a simple method, To See, To Judge and To Act. Our students embrace the five Marist characteristics of Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary. Our Christian values connected with our excellence in education and training produces a graduate who has a well-rounded experience and skill set.
Our industry partners and businesses are part of our success, and we thank them for their commitment, continued support and contribution to our training quality and industry opportunities. Businesses and organisations such as MEGT recruitment and management services, BOC Gas Australia, Motor Traders Association, TAPS – trainee and apprentice placement service, Nexphase Electrical, Clipjoint Education, Queensford RTO, Australian Defence Force, City of Onkaparinga, AMPOL and REDARC Electronics our major sponsor. We recognise and appreciate the importance of their involvement in partnership with Marcellin.

To our 2021 graduates I leave you with this thought: “Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny”.