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BizLink brings Sydney business and schools together
The Schools Bizlink program is living up to the promise of its name in Sydney’s inner, eastern and northern suburbs. In 2006, it brought together a total of 38 businesses and 320 students from 11 schools, brightening the outlook for local employers suffering skills shortages and helping young people make more informed career choices.
Schools Bizlink is designed by the NSW Business Chamber and is delivered through three Regional Industry Career Advisers in concert with three Local Community Partnerships in the Sydney area.
More than 15 new businesses and employers have been introduced to the Career Advice Australia suite of programs as a result of their engagement with the Schools Bizlink events in 2006.
An interactive experience
The essence of Schools Bizlink is a half or full-day industry presentation in schools to students, parents and career advisers. Individual businesses engage in dialogue with students for around 30 minutes about their industry, how they started their career, the highs and lows, what they look for in job applicants, and much more.
Following the presentations, in simultaneous group rotations, the businesspeople give feedback on résumés, explore the myfuture website, and conduct mock interviews to sharpen students’ understanding of what they need to know and show in that ultimate test of their employability.
Among the schools and students participating in Schools Bizlink in 2006 were Casimir Catholic College, where 40 year 10s and 11s engaged with businesspeople in the energy utilities, hospitality, and sports and fitness sectors; Bradfield College, where 68 year 10s linked with 15 businesses ranging from locksmiths and electricians to the Australian Defence Force and information technology at the TAFE; and Muirfield High School, where the entire year 10 cohort heard from representatives from the information technology, retail, construction and automotive industries.
Outcomes and prospect
The Regional Industry Career Advisers report that businesses are excited by the initiative and keen to sign up for more. By personally showcasing their industries and building relationships with schools, they increase the likelihood of avoiding or surviving any skills shortage they may be experiencing.
Year 10 and 11 students are much more aware of career possibilities, employer expectations and essential employability skills, and leave the program with some valuable hands-on experience. The Regional Industry Career Advisers report that students are taking up traineeships or school-based apprenticeships as a direct result of links made through the program.
Schools Bizlink is expanding in 2007. For example, in the Inner Sydney and Eastern Suburbs area, 24 schools have nominated 1000 students for participation.
Contact
Terri Henry,
Central North Sydney, 02 9458 7784 or 0418 881 123
Melody Green, North Sydney and Northern Beaches, 02 9458 7786 or 0408 612
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Anton-Jerome Boski, Inner Sydney and Eastern Suburbs, 02 9313 5650, 0414 416
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