GIANTS launch Career Futures Program

This article first appeared on gwsgiants.com.au

The Career Futures Program will encourage young Indigenous people to complete secondary school and assist them with the transition to further education and the workforce.

It is part of Lend Lease GIANT Community Footprint and its launch marks National Reconciliation Week and AFL Indigenous Round.

The Career Futures Program was developed in partnership with the Giants to deliver leadership and development programs to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students who attend schools located in Western Sydney.

The program is designed to build retention of students in years 9 and 10 who are identified as students at risk of withdrawing and dropping out of school.

Lend Lease’s Chief Financial Officer, Tony Lombardo, said it was important for business to engage with local Indigenous communities to close the gap in employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Lend Lease’s vision for reconciliation and engagement is one in which all our employees acknowledge and celebrate the proud heritage of Australia’s First Peoples and promote opportunities for career development, sustainable business growth, and economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians within our sector.

“The opportunity to partner with the GIANTS and local Indigenous organisations will help us to close the gap in employment outcomes for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.

The Career Futures Program will be held over school terms 2 & 3 for 40 students from two local schools. The program comprises an intensive seven week course presented by inspirational role models including local Indigenous community members and players from the GWS Giants.

GIANTS CEO David Matthews said the partnership in recognised the role young Indigenous people play in shaping the community and to ensure they are able to aspire to achieve their dreams.

“The Lend Lease GIANT Community Footprint  is a great initiative that allows us to recognise and support the role Australian Indigenous culture plays within our community. As part of the program, the GIANTS will deliver weekly skills clinics for our aspiring sports stars and provide inspirational ambassadors for the kids to look up to,” he said.

The local schools participating, Chifley College – Shalvey Campus and Cranebrook High School have high Indigenous populations and neighbor the Lend Lease Communities projects at Ropes Crossing and Jordan Springs.

Students will attend weekly sessions covering various topics from leadership, self-confidence and public speaking to cultural art and interview skills. Students will also learn life skills through dance with The Indigenous Hip Hop Project delivering their workshops every week.

Assisting in the implementation of the program are organisations including the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA), Wirriimbi Designs and the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME).