General News
18 March, 2026
Students earn their RSA
A GROUP of Cobden Technical School students moved a step closer to the workforce after 14 senior students completed their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification last week.
The training was delivered on-site by a Melbourne-based presenter who made the trip to Cobden specifically for the session, allowing students to access professional, industry-standard certification without leaving their school community.
Thirteen Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM) students from Years 11 and 12 participated alongside one Year 11 VCE student, with all 14 successfully completing the nationally recognised qualification.
Cobden Technical School VM teacher Stacey Podger said seeing her students engage so positively with the experience was a highlight.
“Every single student in that room was attentive and polite – they really did themselves proud,” she said.
“It’s not always easy to bring this kind of professional training to a regional school, so to have the presenter come to us was a wonderful opportunity which our students absolutely made the most of.”
Mrs Podger said the RSA held real practical value for young people entering the workforce.
“Hospitality is one of the most common pathways into employment for young people, especially in regional areas where cafes, hotels and events are such a big part of the local economy,” she said.
“Having that certificate means our students can walk into a job interview already qualified – that’s a genuine advantage.”
Year 12 VCE VM student Bailey said it was a good opportunity to get an extra certificate.
“I appreciate the school giving us the chance to complete the course,” he said.
The RSA is a mandatory requirement for anyone serving or supplying alcohol in Victoria and covers topics including liquor licensing laws, identifying intoxication and strategies for responsibly managing difficult situations.
The certification forms part of the VCE Vocational Major’s broader focus on equipping students with the practical skills and industry credentials they need to transition confidently into further education, training or employment after school.
Mrs Podger said opportunities like this one reflected Cobden Technical School’s commitment to setting students up for success beyond the classroom.
“We are really proud to be able to offer our students experiences like this one,” she said.
“Cobden Technical School is focused on preparing young people for their futures, and that means giving them more than just academic knowledge – it means making sure they leave here with real skills and recognised credentials which employers value.
“This is just one of the ways we’re working to do that.”
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