GUYRA’S business community has been invited to play a part in giving young people the break they might need to build a life and career in their home community.
The initiative was flagged by Careers Network (CN) Tamworth partnership broker Catherine Donald and Guyra Shire council at a well attended New England Mutual business breakfast in the town recently.
Similar programs are running in Armidale, Inverell, Glen Innes and Walcha through CN’s School Business Community Partnership Broker Program
Ms Donald is currently working with Guyra Shire Council on an initiative involving youth of Guyra. She said the target group was young people now required to stay at school until they reach 17 years but at risk of disengagement from their education and community.
“Through practical experience in the workplace the participating students would be supported and encouraged to make better informed decisions about further education and career choices,” Ms Donald said.
“The partnership under discussion would give students real workplace exposure in a field of interest to them and also give them a better understanding of the links between, school, work and education.”
The program would identify potential students who would gain the most benefit, with support from Jobs Australia, The Hub at Guyra on how to write job applications, compile resumes and prepare and present themselves for interviews and businesses willing to engage in the partnership.
The Commonwealth funded Careers Network Partnership Broker Program Tamworth involves schools, businesses local community groups and families.
In Walcha, a homework centre has been established at the local primary school one day a week supervised by two UNE student teachers. In Armidale and Inverell, students work at Big W and in Glen Innes at the local council in partnership with Glen Innes High School.
