MEET OUR STUDENTS  | Jordan

Meet JORDAN

Year 12

I’m passionate about cycling, sport and business. I’m working towards the Australian National Championships in Perth in January, while building my own business, Watkins Automation, which helps Perth businesses develop custom automation solutions using AI.

I've always been interested in coding and technology and, as AI became more widely available, I could see it was going to change the way people work. Through my own experience with businesses, I started noticing processes that could be automated and realised I had the skills to help. That became the idea behind Watkins Automation, and I've used project time at TSS to start turning it into a real business.

Entrepreneurship is something I've been exploring for a long time. I started my first business when I was around 11 or 12, servicing bikes from my garage, then moved into bike cleaning and bike brokering, selling bikes for other people for commission. I've also experimented with apps and software platforms. Not every idea has worked, but each one has taught me something. Along the way, I've developed skills in sales, marketing, negotiation, communication and working with clients, which I'm now bringing together through Watkins Automation.  

I'm currently building the business gradually, working with clients through word of mouth while developing my experience and reputation. During project time at TSS, I might be preparing a quote or invoice, emailing clients or planning the systems and processes behind an automation. My goal is to establish Watkins Automation within the Perth business community and eventually build a consistent client base and recurring income.

One of the reasons The Studio School is so important to me is cycling. Last year, I spent three months living independently in Durango in the Basque Country of Spain, where I trained and raced with one of the country's leading junior Basque cycling teams. Living away from home and racing internationally pushed my confidence and independence to another level. TSS gave me the flexibility to take that opportunity while continuing my education overseas.

That flexibility is one of the things I value most about TSS. I came from a Montessori education, so I was used to some independence, but TSS allowed me to take much more ownership over my time. The shorter 40-minute lessons work well for me because I can get what I need from a lesson, then use my independent time productively, whether that's completing schoolwork, training off campus or developing my business.

My teacher-facilitators have also made it possible for me to balance school with everything happening outside it. Before travelling, they'll help me work ahead and organise assignments so I know exactly what needs to be completed while I'm away. I can then stay in contact with them while I'm overseas. VET Coordinator, Paul, has supported me through completing my Certificate III in Business through TAFE and Lauren, my mentor teacher, has helped coordinate with my other teacher-facilitators so I can keep progressing with my education while travelling and racing.

When I started at TSS in Year 10, I was young, ambitious and had a lot of big ideas. Over the past few years, I've learnt much more about myself as an athlete and as a person. I've become more independent, developed stronger communication skills and learnt how to turn some of those ambitions into things I'm pursuing. TSS has given me an environment where I can explore ideas and create a pathway that works for me.

After Year 12, I want to give cycling everything I've got while continuing to grow Watkins Automation. When I started the business, my first goal was simply to make $1 because that would prove someone was willing to pay for what I could offer. I've now gone well beyond that. The next goal is to create a sustainable business that I can operate online while training and racing internationally. Ultimately, I want the freedom to pursue cycling at the highest level I can while building something of my own alongside it.

How would you describe TSS? TSS is a great environment for anyone who has a passion or hobby they want to explore or potentially turn into a career. It gives you the freedom and choice to take the reins and see where your interests could take you.

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