Local firm, GWG Recruitment has partnered with the NRL School to Work program to support young Indigenous Australians with work experience, mentoring, and leadership opportunities.

As part of this partnership, and in the lead up to NAIDOC Week, GWG recently held The NRL School to Work – Career Day, to connect Year 11 and 12 Indigenous students with local employers.

Held at Yamuloong Centre in Garden Suburb, the event was attended by more than 30 students from local schools across the Hunter and Central Coast.

GWG’s CEO, Julie Gearie said the Career Day was highly productive and beneficial for both employers and students alike.

“It was fabulous to see some of Newcastle and the Hunter’s largest employers participate including Catholic Diocese of Maitland – Newcastle, WesTrac, Tomago Aluminium, ARTC, Port of Newcastle, Newcastle Permanent Building Society, Hunter Water and Port Stephens Council.”

Each organisation presented opportunities within their workforces, practical career advice, and inspiring stories to a captivated student audience.

The employers discussed both trades and professional pathways including graduate programs, apprenticeships, work placements and scholarships.

“They are leading the way in creating stronger pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples and providing meaningful opportunities for young people,” Julie said.

“Equally, the Career Day was also a chance for organisations to speak directly with talented young people that could become valued members of their workforce.”

The NRL’s School to Work Project Officer, Charmaine Piper said experiences like the Career Day are critical for students as they move through year 11 and 12.

“This event is as an important way to connect students with real opportunities and hear from real employers about how to best set themselves up for success,” Charmaine said.

“As students move into the final years of school and are thinking about further study, apprenticeships and work experience it is important to enable conversations and provide advice to help guide these life-shaping decisions.

“The participants showed such enthusiasm and were so engaged with the presentations – asking all the right questions.”

Julie said GWG has a strong focus on non-discriminatory processes that are respectful and value difference.

“We know that a diverse and inclusive working environment results in better ideas, creativity, problem solving and positive connections with customers and the community,” she said.

“We focus on enabling a collaborative, supportive, and respectful environment for clients and candidates through the removal of all barriers, discrimination, and intolerance.

“The Career Day and our ongoing work with the NRL School to Work program is just one way we are contributing to help close the economic and social gaps between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians and create more diverse and inclusive workforces now and into the future.

“I’m really excited to see what’s next for the students, it’s clear that they have bright futures ahead, and we look forward to continuing to support them in their careers,” Julie concluded.

Based on the success of the NRL School to Work Career Day, this event will become an annual fixture.

Organisations who operate programs or have pathways for young Indigenous Australian’s are encouraged to get in touch for their 2022 event.

IMAGE | Bailey Scholes from Callaghan College Jesmond campus and Ryli Johnson from Cardiff High School at GWG’s Career Day.