Last Friday, our team had the opportunity to attend the Central Coast Clontarf Academies’ annual Employment Forum — an event dedicated to connecting young people with future training and career opportunities.
The forum brought together Year 11 and 12 First Nations students from across the Central Coast, providing many with their first real insight into life beyond school. Designed to broaden horizons and build confidence, the event plays an important role in helping students explore the wide range of pathways available to them after graduation.
Connecting Students with Industry
The format of the day encouraged meaningful interaction, with students participating in a series of fast-paced, 4-minute rotations. This gave each group the chance to engage directly with a variety of industries, including retail, health, defence and construction.
During these sessions, we had the opportunity to connect with small groups of students and share insights into careers in civil construction, as well as the opportunities available at Robson. These conversations provided a valuable platform to discuss pathways into the industry, the skills required, and what a career in construction can look like.
Impressed by the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the chance to speak directly with the students. We were incredibly impressed by their level of engagement — they were respectful, curious and genuinely interested in understanding their options for the future.
It is clear that initiatives like the Employment Forum play a vital role in building confidence, expanding awareness, and helping young people make informed decisions about their futures.
Supporting Clontarf’s Mission
The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Through programs like the Employment Forum, Clontarf continues to empower participants to engage more meaningfully in education and employment, supporting positive long-term outcomes.
We are proud to have been part of this initiative and to support the important work Clontarf is doing within local communities.
Looking Ahead
Events like this highlight the value of collaboration between schools, community organisations and industry. By working together, we can help create clearer pathways for young people and ensure they feel supported as they take the next steps beyond school.
We thank the Clontarf team for the invitation and look forward to supporting similar initiatives in the future.