GLENELG and Southern Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (GSGLLEN) together with South West TAFE launched the 2024 Young Leaders Program on Wednesday.
The Young Leaders Program officially started in 2021 for Year 10 and 11 (or equivalent) students in the Southern Grampians Shire and is based off the highly successful Future Leaders Program that was founded by Portland Aluminium in 2005.
The program will showcase the many different industries in the community, bring youth back into the community after their tertiary studies and create a workforce of inspiring leaders.
From April to October, students take part in a variety of events, program activities and online sessions and workshops that include teambuilding, public speaking, future world of work and showcasing of local industry through industry tours and workshops.
It will provide an amazing opportunity for youth in the community to participate in activities that increase confidence, build transferable skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities and introduces students to different career opportunities within the region.
The program introduces students to different industries, allows opportunities for networking and challenges the way they think about the world of work.
The launch provided students an opportunity to meet with their local business mentors, including Vickery Bros’ Alise Riley, Combined Preschools Southern Grampians’ Laura Hill, Southern Grampians Shire Council’s Sam Faulkner, The Garden Fairy Service’s Skye Morrison, Western District Health Service’s Maddie Pertzel and Sustainable Plastics Solutions’ Elisha Nettleton.
Involved in the 2024 program are Baimbridge College students, Olivia Bell and Ayla Ewing, The Hamilton and Alexandra College student, Harry McDonald and Monivae College students Tiffany Powell, Jonathon Beattie, Emma Parker and Teyah Evans.
GSGLLEN executive officer, Anne Murphy said the program has helped to create a potential workforce and to build the social capacity of the community.
“It’s wonderful to be able to partner with so many local organisations to help promote careers in Southern Grampians and give students the opportunity to build connections and have firsthand experience into their chosen career paths,” she said.
The Young Leaders Program is an initiative of the GSGLLEN and therefore is dependent on the generous support of Sponsors and Local Stakeholders for the continued offering, including major sponsor SWTAFE, Australian Bluegums Plantations (ABP), Wannon Water, Community Bank Coleraine, Community Bank Dunkeld, Vickery Bros, Winda Marra Aboriginal Corporation and Groke Hamilton.
