Life's wish: Jessica Frost with Valentia Rendon, carrying an electronic baby, Jack, and Jack Brackley. Picture: Mike Sea
JESSICA Frost of Glenwood High School is only 16 but has chosen her future career.
She is one of its top year 11 students doing a school-based traineeship through a company called METS Training Solutions, for her certificate III in children's services.
Jessica goes to the class on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and also works a full day at a childcare centre as part of the practical component of the course.
Study topics include children's nutrition, protection, health care and interaction.
After her Certificate III she can go straight to full-time work in a childcare centre.
"I wanted to work with young children since year 3. It's partly because I have nine nephews and nieces aged from six months to 12 years and enjoy looking after them," she said.
"I also get paid for the pleasure of working with children at Yogi Playhouse at Stanhope Gardens once a week and during the school holidays."
Jessica is studying children's services for the Higher School Certificate at the end of next year and plans to do a diploma in the subject in an online TAFE course.
A school spokeswoman said Jessica had been nominated for the school encouragement award.