Over 40 First Nations students participating in the NRL’s School to Work Program attended a career expo at AAMI Park earlier in the week to help them prepare for their future aspirations and career pathways after completing high school.
The interactive day gave Year 11 and 12 students exposure to various organisations offering career and employment opportunities, and further educational pathways they may be interested in as they transition from school into their chosen career.
Catering to all passions within the group, students heard from a range of companies including, Suburban Rail Loop Authority, Laing O’Rourke, Wamarra, Mob Jobs, Accor, Victoria University, Kmart/Target and Veolia.
Students from Thornbury High School, Hallam Senior College, University High, Reservoir High School, Sunbury College, Point Cook Secondary College and Gleneagles Secondary College commenced the day with a smoking ceremony from Wurundjeri man Alex Kerr on the AAMI Park concourse, before hearing from current and rising stars of Melbourne Storm.
Storm First Nations Academy players Gabriel Satrick and Matthew Hill spoke to the students about their journeys to where they are today and what it has taken to pursue their ambition of playing NRL.
Club captain Harry Grant and Xavier Coates also spoke to the students about their career journeys and presented polo shirts to the youth who will be representing the club at the annual NRL Indigenous Youth Summit in Sydney in the lead up to Indigenous Round. Congratulations to Antwon Labron Watkins, Lachlan Waite Pullan, Jedah-Lee Wickey and Kaiaarn Thorpe.
The NRL School to Work Program is an Education and Employment initiative that has been supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth since 2012.
Supported by the Australian Federal Government, the program provides mentoring and leadership opportunities to ensure they successfully complete school and transition into further study, training or meaningful employment.
