The City of Armadale, one of the fastest growing areas in Western Australia, has teamed up with local businesses to provide a career development program for Year 10 students.
The City’s 2019 Aspire program has reported another successful year with 14 local high school students graduating from the program in September.
The popular initiative, now in its third year, saw students participate in weekly career development workshops which included resume and cover letter development, personality testing and hands-on industry excursions across seven weeks, culminating in select work placement experiences for some.
Graduates were encouraged to think about their passions and strengths and what career might suit them, as well as prepare for the requirements of employers through workshops and local business speaker presentations.
Armadale’s Aspire program was initiated to improve community outcomes through local job connection and job readiness training for local youth aiming to address the high youth unemployment rate, 17.4 percent (2016 Census).
The 2019 development program saw three Year 10 students offered work experience opportunities.
Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said he was heartened by the positive feedback the program had received from participating businesses and the students, teachers and parents in the school communities.
“We have had some really heart-warming feedback about Aspire, the program has really helped some students figure out what they are passionate about and given them some direction and confidence, as well as providing real life experience while exposing the myriad of roles and industries locally.”
This year participating work placement business partners included motor mechanics – Crossroads Mechanical, wildlife park – Armadale Reptile Centre, City of Armadale, builders – Daily and Shaw, arborists – Beaver Tree Service and Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
