career links annual report 2014 contents We are a community focused business, based Our Vision 3 in Newcastle and Lake What We Do 4 Macquarie. Operating since Who We Are 5 2000, we provide programs Message from the Chairperson 6 and services which General Manager’s Report 7 connect young people 2014 - The Highlights 8 School Business Community with business, education, Partnership Brokers 9 community and families. Structured Workplace Learning 14

We help to create links and Yakka Day 16 opportunities for young Career & Training Links 17 people to be their best. Career Links GT 18 Newcastle Lake Macquarie Career & Training Expo 2014 19

How to contact us Career Links 1/89 Mitchell Road CARDIFF NSW 2285 Telephone: 02 4953 7099 Web: www.careerlinks.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected]

Page 2 Our Vision

“Young People, Bright Futures” At the heart of Career Links is passion to improve career development and transition outcomes for young people. We achieve this through the creation of innovative programs and by working in partnership with our community. Key to our practice are strong relationships with stakeholders and supporters built on trust, integrity and compassion.

Page 3 What We Do

SCHOOL BUSINESS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP BROKERS

Career Links facilitate partnerships with Education, Business, Community and Families; to enrich learning experiences for young people, leading to improved levels of participation, engagement and attainment. These partnerships harness resources and build infrastructure to share responsibility for local young people’s learning and development.

STRUCTURED WORKPLACE LEARNING

Career Links provides advice and support to students, schools and employers for Vocational Education & Training work placement, as part of the HSC. Career Links has coordinated over 36,000 work placements in the areas of Automotive Trades, Building & Construction, Business Services, Electrical Trades, Entertainment, Hospitality, Information & Digital Technology, Metals and Engineering, Primary Industries, Retail Services and Tourism.

CAREER LINKS GT

Career Links Group Training employs School Based Apprentices and Trainees (SBATs) and places them with host employers. We help our host employers save time and money by reducing employment risks and responsibilities. Our Apprentices and Trainees benefit from consistent support and quality employment and training.

NEWCASTLE LAKE MACQUARIE CAREER & TRAINING EXPO

The Newcastle Lake Macquarie Career & Training Expo is an annual event managed by Career Links. It connects young people and members of the community with employers, education and training providers to help them make informed decisions about their future. The Expo provides employers and industry groups with an opportunity to attract future staff and work towards reducing skills shortages.

Page 4 Who We Are

Board of Directors

The Board is responsible for developing our Strategic Plan, establishing goals, future directions and the monitoring of contracted service delivery. The Board is also responsible for governance, risk management, financial management and control.

Our Board of Directors for 2014:

Brian Rennie, Chairperson Kathy Cox Ian Wilson, Secretary Richard Rule Glenda O’ Brien, Treasurer Liana Nadalin Murray Christie, Public Officer Howard James Staff The Board would like to thank the Career Links Staff for their achievements throughout 2014 and their ongoing commitment to the organisation’s vision.

John Purcell Michele Kowalski Lyn Falkiner Robert Penglaze Rhonda Finlay Amanda Richards Stephen McLauchlan Averil Loades Ashlee Kelly Deborah Greentree Helga Glas Anne Molloy Kerrie Parkinson Chris Hawkins Nikki Garrard

Page 5 Message from the Chairperson

Career Links has experienced a very work environments. Equally important Finally, I would like to thank my turbulent year in 2014. In part this was to the success of this program are the fellow Board members; Ian, Kathy, due to the change in contracts and strong relationships with employers Liana, Murray, Glenda, Howard and changes in government direction and and community nurtured by the SWL Richard. Each of them generously funding. This necessitated a major staff. Without these community minded gives their time and support to this restructure and relocation of the Career businesses, young people would miss community organisation. Like me, Links offices. Additionally we saw the out on the invaluable experiences they are proud of the fantastic staff departure of the chairman Grant Black. that work placement provides. and the achievements of Career Links. We take this opportunity to thank Brian Rennie Grant for his many years of diligent service to Career Links and extend our A highlight for 2014 was the annual Career Links Chairman best wishes for his future endeavors. Newcastle Lake Macquarie Career & Training Expo. This event has been managed by Career Links for the last 6 Throughout 2014 the Staff at Career Links years and remains the premier showcase has been busy supporting the company event of its kind in regional NSW. 3500 vision of Young People, Bright Futures high schools students attended the through the programs and services the Expo to meet with universities, TAFE, business provides. Career Links strength private RTOs, employers and community and longevity lies in the staff, which are organisations. This event provides a passionate about supporting the young unique occasion for young people and people in our community, to achieve their their families to gain the latest career best. I would like to take this opportunity and training advice and discover the to thank the Staff at Career Links. I would diversity of opportunities available. also like to acknowledge the hard work of the General Manager John, who supports both the team and the Board of Directors. The challenge for 2015 is first, to consolidate our position and next to These changes didn’t affect our longest strategically extend our reach and running program, Structured Workplace empower our staff to take new ground Learning (SWL). During 2014 Career while maintaining high customer Links has coordinated over 3200 work services levels for our current client placement positions. This service base thus fulfilling our aim of providing supports Year 10, 11 and 12 Vocational young people with bright futures. Education & Training students as part of the mandatory course requirements for the HSC. Now in its 14th year of managing this service, Career Links is the critical linchpin in ensuring that students are matched to dynamic and interesting

Page 6 Report

General Manager

‘‘Young people, Bright Futures’, program smoothly and consistently year I would like to take this opportunity this is Career Links commitment to after year. This is testament to their to acknowledge those that have our community. We work to ensure professionalism and commitment to the offered their assistance to Career young people have the best possible program. Going forward SWL funding Links in 2014. Firstly, the schools opportunities to grow and mature, to has been extended into 2015, with the of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie support and develop their communities assurance of a tender process late 2015. (in particular the Principals, Career and to become future role models. Advisers, VET Coordinators and SBAT The Newcastle Lake Macquarie Career Coordinators), the Board of Studies, 2014 has seen many changes to the and Training Expo was a huge success Regional VET Coordinators, State organisation, mainly the discontinuation with 3,500 students attending. This and Federal Government Program of the Partnership Brokerage program was an increase in student numbers Managers, Local Government and other brought about by variations in from 2013. The event also hosted over community service providers. Perhaps Government funding. To ensure Career 110 exhibitors, major sponsors and most importantly I would like to thank Links viability and the capacity to supporting partners. This event gained business and industry for their support continue delivering exceptional services positive feedback from all stakeholders and assisting young people make to schools, industry and community and was a great success for the Youth of the transition from school to further sweeping changes were required. Career the . education and employment. Links undertook a restructure of the Career Links GT offers vocational organisation which also included moving Finally, I wish to thank our Board of qualifications and employment options to new premises in Mayfield. Directors for their commitment to to school students while completing Career Links. As a voluntary group The Partnership Brokerage program their senior school education. This is of people, they freely give their time formed partnerships with schools, achieved by completing a School Based to support Career Links. Of course it employers, service providers, community Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) - a goes without saying that all of this organisations and government agencies. learn and earn option. This service can be hard work is not achievable without Many of these partnerships are now extended to young people that have left an excellent team. The Career Links sustainable and continue to deliver a school creating a more holistic service to Board and Management are grateful much needed service to support young young people across Newcastle and Lake for the professionalism of the staff people achieve positive educational Macquarie. and appreciate their dedication to the and social outcomes. The Partnership Career Links successfully gained a new ongoing success of Career Links. Brokerage programs met or exceeded all program Links to Learning that will targets during 2014. commence in 2015. Our Structured Workplace Learning John Purcell All of this outstanding work maintains team has coordinated over 3200 work a solid foundation that will ensure a General Manager placements for senior students in the very productive year ahead for Career Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region. Links. In 2015 we are looking forward These work placements allow students to a year of great success, and planning to gain valuable hands on experience is well advanced for bigger and better in a real industry environment. This can initiatives. be a challenging program to deliver when working across all school sectors and multiple industry partners. The team at Career Links delivers the SWL

Page 7 2014

Recruited first SBAT SBAT Info. Night SBAT

Career & Training Expo Workplacement Yakka Day Yakka The Highlights

Page 8 School Community Business Partnership Brokers

Career Links is part of a national the learning experience for young is on those groups experiencing a network of Partnership Brokers people by developing partnerships high level of disadvantage including funded by the Australian Government among four key stakeholder groups: young people from a low socio Department of Education, to economic background, Humanitarian Education and training providers improve education and transition Refugees and Indigenous students. outcomes for all young people. Business and industry Career Links works with key As Partnership Brokers for Parents and families stakeholders to identify the needs of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, Community groups our region, help partners to agree on Career Links adopts a strategic, how they can work together towards The program is designed to whole of community approach a common purpose, and support improve participation levels, to improving education and partnerships to achieve their goals. student engagement and Year 12 or social outcomes. The Partnership equivalent attainment. The focus Brokerage team aims to enrich

Partnership: A sustainable relationship between two or more parties that is mutually beneficial and contributes to improved education and transition outcomes for young people.

Page 9 2014 Partnerships

Talk to an Aussie Hospitality Young People Inspiration Bright Futures Video Production The partnership is about language, The aim of the Hospitality Inspiration culture and social connection. It aims Partnership is to This partnership aims to encourage to improve International University • Increase interest of young students’ English language skills and and engage young people in creative people in hospitality careers . give local students an opportunity to and artistic activities. The engage with people from a different • Address uptake of Chef partnership draws together schools, culture. It is not about formal Apprenticeships . business, community and families in language tuition, but an opportunity a range of activities to produce films to broaden understanding and • Increase skill and interest levels and documentaries that are relevant confidence to speak and interact in of students by skilled chef’s to the Youth of Newcastle and Lake a range of situations by both groups. coming into the classroom to Macquarie. It has produced a number inspire young people . Partners: of short films including a drama • Increase parent interest in showing the potential effects of University of Newcastle: English cyber bullying, a short documentary Language and Foundation Studies career planning by involving for NAIDOC week and a Centre and DALE School Waratah. them in information sessions . documentary interview with teen • Provide work experience/ work Outcomes: specialist psychologist, Robert placement opportunities for Redford. • Engage High School and University young people . students with people from different Partners: cultual backgrounds. Partners: Newcastle Gilbert and Sullivan HTN - Hospitality Training Network, • Interaction with the University Players, Hunter Sports High School, Wallsend, Waratah will inspire students to achieve Whitebridge High School, Screen Hospitality Teachers and Callaghan academically. Hunter Central Coast and has been College TTC & Industry Liaison • Students may broaden their financially supported by Lake Officer expectations about possible careers Macquarie City Council. and vocations. Outcomes: Outcomes: • School retention and • Keeping students engaged at engagement in hospitality school and interested in their career pathways. education. “The Uni students are from all over the world. They love meeting local students like this.” Robyn Gentemann ELICOS Student Activities

“My students are getting so much out of the program” Zoltan Vinzce - DALE School

Page 10 Mental Health in Schools

The partnership aims to support wellbeing in school communities and improve educational and social outcomes for young people. Partners: Kotara High School, Newcastle High

School, St Pius X High School ARAFMI, Headspace Newcastle, “Filmmaking for young people Get Up & Go Hunter Institute of Mental Health, holds up a mirror to their lives.” Hunter New England Health, Lifeline Melvin James - Independent Film Maker. and Salvation Army The Get Up & Go partnership Outcomes: involves schools, community, parents and industry in creating a In 2014, the partnership will help long term community mentoring, staff in schools to better connect education and work experience with Mental Health service program for students in Year 9 and providers. It will also support 10. professional development and “It is a pleasure to work with so learning opportunities to raise Partners: many talented young people.” awareness of mental health and Tianci Yang Lake Macquarie High School, reduce the stigma of mental illness Morisset High School, Toronto High Award winning Chinese within the community. documentary film maker. School, Mentors for Our Schools Inc. and State Training Services. Outcomes: “Depression is one of the most • The key outcomes of this common health issues for young partnership are school retention people in Australia.” and supported work experience. Headspace • The partnership is designed to “Bringing filmmaking skills into foster a strategic, whole of schools is beneficial to students community approach to in so many ways.” improving education and Annette Huber transition outcomes for young Screen Hunter Central Coast. people.

“Young adults aged 18 to 24 have the highest prevalence of mental disorders of any age group.” Australian Bureau of Statistics 2007

Page 11 2014 Partnerships

Activities in the Shed

This partnership focuses on the • Caters for different learning integration of young people with styles through the variety of the aging community, in particular activities provided. older men living in the Anglican • Mentoring opportunities. Care, Aged Care facilities. It is based around the concept of hands-on • It involves young people activities that can be carried out by with their community and the young people and the older folk shows them potential career in a “Men’s Shed” environment at paths as well as broadening the Aged Care facility. their understanding of the community they live in. The young people have the opportunity to involve themselves with a part of their community they may not otherwise be in contact with. The older residents benefit from the contact with young people who are also supervised and mentored by Aged Care students from TAFE and staff from Anglican Care. The partnership is an integration of a number of vocational, social and community goals. Partners: Hunter TAFE, Anglican Care Lake Macquarie High School and DALE School. Outcomes: • This partnership creates opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. • Builds a direct connection between TAFE and the workplace experience.

Page 12 2014 Partners

Schools Community Business

Page 13 Structured Workplace Learning

Our Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) team liaise with school and Mattara Festival employers to provide students studying a vocational subject as part of their HSC, with one week (unpaid) work placement in a The Mattara Festival is one of relevant industry environment. Newcastle’s biggest annual events featuring an array of entertainment, Since 2000, Career Links has food, art and music activities in the co-ordinated work placement for September school holidays. This the NSW Department of Education, year 17 students from Tourism, Catholic Schools Office, Association Entertainment and Retail subjects of Independent Schools and Hunter assisted with the organisation of TAFE. The SWL team works closely the festival and completed their with VET Co-ordinators to ensure mandatory work placement hours. that all students have the This was a perfect opportunity for opportunity to experience the work the students to gain first-hand environment. Trade Secret experience at an actual event and In 2014 the SWL team delivered Christmas Casual support the local community deliver over 3100 work placements in the this fantastic festival. areas of Automotive, Metal and This year Career Links have worked Engineering, Retail, Tourism, closely with Trade Secret to develop Construction, Electrotechnology, a training program for Retail Financial Services, Primary students. The students participated Industries, Hospitality, Business in a 35 hour structured work Services, Information & Digital placement program where they Technology, Entertainment and learnt about all aspects of Retail Human Services. including; sales, customer service, The SWL team is continually merchandising and safety etc. At developing relationships with new the end of the program students employers. In 2014 over 260 new had the opportunity to gain employers have signed up to employment as a Christmas Casual. support young people complete this 9 students participated in the mandatory work placement. program and some students gained paid part-time work. The success of this program is directly related to the commitment of local employers. For many “Over the last 12 months I have worked closely with Career Links and had students this work placement is the opportunity to host students for work placement and work experience. their first experience in a workplace. I have had great success and feel very priviledged to give students an We appreciate the ongoing support insight into the retail world. I look forward to working closely with Career and the positive impact they are Links in the future.” making on young people’s career Julia McCrohon: Store Manager decisions. Trade Secret Kotara

Page 14 “The work carried out by Career “Just wanted to say thank you “Career Links is always Links is a vital and integral part for all your help and support approachable and keen to assist of making our VET courses at with the students and their with any issues that we have. Swansea High School so placements over the past couple After working in several other successful for our students. of years. I have really schools and having to organise Career Links have developed a appreciated your efforts and the work placement, I would have to streamlined and efficient method professional, efficient way you say that this has been the easiest for conducting the mandatory deal with issues and solve and most enjoyable group to workplace component of these problems.” work with.” courses. Career Links staff is Clint Johns always friendly, efficient and Deborah Carlson: Teacher Teacher - Callaghan College professional when dealing with Hunter School of the Jesmond Campus Performing Arts the students and staff.”

Robert Silkman Teacher - Swansea High School

Page 15 Yakka Day

Yakka Day is a hands-on career This membership strongly information event, aimed to assist influences the design of the event young Aboriginal and Torres Strait and ensures that cultural identity lslander people, their families and and career aspiration building community. It provides a unique form the foundations of the opportunity to bring communities experience for young people. In together from Lake Macquarie addition, Aboriginal and Torres and link cultural identity with Strait lslander people are heavily education, employment and social represented as exhibitors and outcomes. Yakka Day promotes presenters, providing role models career choices, education to inspire at this exclusive event. pathways and employment Yakka Day further strengthens opportunities for school students the message to the community, from Year 5 - 12; as well as young of the importance of retaining people who are disengaged from cultural identity and at the same education from within Aboriginal time striving to achieve your very and Torres Strait communities. best in life. The event helps to The event also provides cultural break down barriers and build identity activities such as music, relationships with the broader dance, traditional language and community, which will encourage bush tucker. the next generation to work hard The event is intended to engage and build a strong future. young people and families This program also works in favour in career decision making. of employers as they can …… Approximately 300 Indigenous • Increase awareness of their students and family members • Preview potential staff business attended Yakka Day in 2014. • Identify and retain local talent • Create opportunities for staff The Yakka Day committee and broaden the industry skills to develop supervisory and consists of a majority of base leadership skills Indigenous representatives • Be promoted as an organisation from education,community and • Develop communication skills supporting local young people business sectors. and build confidence in young people.

Page 16 Career and Training Links

It has been another successful year for the Career & Training Links with lots of positive feedback from grateful schools and parents. This subscription service is a highly sought after initiative of Career Links. The Career & Training Links provides a weekly electronic newsletter full of career and training links suitable for young people in the local region, i.e. • Apprenticeships • Traineeships • Volunteering • Scholarships • School Based Apprenticeships/ Traineeships “Thank you for all the work you do “Yes, Hunter Sports High is happy • Casual Jobs during the year. I really appreciate to continue to reap the benefits of • Career Expos it!” the CTL for 2015” • Full-TimeEmployment Career Adviser Career Adviser • University Open Days • Information Sessions • Training opportunities “The CTL is invaluable for me to help my child. • HSC Preparation Workshops You always find the jobs that I can’t find!” We thank the following schools for Parent supporting this valuable service: Belmont High School, Callaghan College - Jesmond, Charlton Christian College, Department of Juvenile Justice, Glendale Technology High School, Hunter Christian School, Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Hunter Sports High School, Kotara High School, Lake Macquarie High School, Macquarie College, Morisset High School, Newcastle High School, St Mary’s High School, San Clemente High School, St Pius X High School, St Paul’s High School, Saint Francis Xavier’s College, St Philip’s Christian College, Swansea High School, Toronto High School, , West Wallsend High School and Whitebridge High School.

Page 17 Career Links GT

Career Links Group Training (GT) Student Profile specialises in employing both full time and School Based Apprentices Name Hannah Brien and Trainees (SBATs) placing them Year Year 11 with host employers across the region. VET Course Hospitality and Tourism & Events SBATs can kick start student’s Host Employer Mercure Lake Macquarie Rafferty’s Resort careers, by combing their HSC with Why did you decide to become an SBAT? a nationally recognised industry • To achieve extra qualifications before I leave school qualification and paid part-time employment. Students gain valuable • Guaranteed paid part-time work with the possibility of extra workplace skills and knowledge of work their career of choice. What do you enjoy about being an SBAT? Young people who have completed • It is a really good work environment everyone is friendly. vocational training as part of their HSC studies already have • I am always learning new things employability skills. These students • It has helped with my study by providing me with hands on are often held in high regard experience by employers seeking full time apprentices and trainees. In 2014, Career Links GT have continued to build relationships Employer Profile with schools and local industry. The Name Kendall Brooks School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Night Position Director of Sales in June, generated a great deal of Employer Mercure Lake Macquarie Rafferty’s Resort positive feedback and discussion Why did you decide to host an SBAT? about the benefits of studying and working before they leave school. • We had thought about employing a trainee but had not proceeded with following this up. Then Hannah Brien came on Career Links GT has been in work placement on two different occasions. We found her to be operation for 2 years and has enthusiastic about the industry, and she asked if a traineeship strong relationships with a range position was possible. We jumped at it. of industries and employers across the region. We are always looking What have been the benefits for your business in hosting an for new employers interested in SBAT? supporting the career development • We can employ and train someone to fit in with our resort in the of local youth. All positions available hope of developing a long term employment relationship and a are advertised on the Career Links career for the young person. website. • We like to nurture the people that are keen on developing a career in our industry. • It helps us to develop someone that is skilled in multiple areas of the resort and who can work in these various departments. Page 18 2014 Career & Training Expo over 3500 students

The Newcastle Lake Macquarie Career & Training Expo is an annual event proudly presented by Career over 3000 Links, on behalf of the Hunter 32 local Valley Career Adviser Network. students This year the Expo was held on 22 high schools May 2014 at the Newcastle Jockey Club. The event was open to local school groups between 9am - 4pm and parents and the general public over 110 from 1 –4pm (Entry $5). over 3000 The Newcastle Lake Macquarie exhibitors Career & Training Expo is the students largest event of its kind in the region. Student Quote: The 2014 event showcased over “The careers expo definitely 110 exhibitors; including major helped me make a clearer universities, leading training decision on what I want to providers, employers and do.” community organisations from across the region and interstate. over 3000 The objective of the event is to students Exhibitor Feedback: promote education, training and “Everything was great on career pathways. the day. We had a great position which showed by the high amount of enquiries we received on the day.”

Major Sponsors Supporting Partners

Page 19 Career Links GT

1/89 Mitchell Road CARDIFF NSW 2285

Phone: 02 4953 7099

www.careerlinks.nsw.edu.au

www.facebook.com.au/careerlinksnsw

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