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Speed dating a highlight for discussing youth transition issues
Schools, youth service providers, business, industry, youth and parents gathered for a one-day forum that focused on ensuring successful transitions for youth in the Perth area.
In the morning, BJL Connecting Communities, the Local Community Partnership, provided information relevant to careers and transitions for youth in the region. Participants then worked together to identify and explain how to use a ‘common language’ when discussing career development and transitions.
The afternoon was devoted to a beneficial twist on ‘speed dating’. Prior to the forum, the community identified eight key areas in which youths must have skills and knowledge in order to make successful transitions. These are: inner-self and personal values, health and wellbeing, accommodation, thinking skills, life-long learning, employment and economics, relationships and citizenship, and recreation, art and culture.
Two stakeholders from an industry related to each key area were asked to host a speed dating table—with one table for each issue.
Guests could ‘speed date’ four tables. Sessions began with guests spending one minute each answering a pre-arranged question relevant to that table’s issue. Table hosts then introduced themselves, and gave an overview of the issue from their points of view. The table was then open to free discussion for another 10 to 15 minutes. Then a bell rang to signal time to change tables.
Many positive outcomes stemmed from the day:
- the Housing Industry Association received referrals for apprenticeships
- the local naturopath was invited to speak to several school groups
- the Local Community Partnership developed stronger relationships with schools to implement Career and Transition Support and Adopt a School projects
- a tool for promoting a ‘common language’ was widely accepted and has been used in interagency/school referrals to improve transitional pathways
- a model for Individual Pathway Plans, Transition Portfolios and Exit Planning was developed and is being trialled in 2007
- the community is more aware of career and transition issues, and the role of a Local Community Partnership.