On Wednesday 18^th September 2019, Inspiring the Future Australia in partnership with Blacktown City Council, the NSW Government RIEP program and VET Alumni held a successful “Inspiring Apprentices” event in Blacktown. I20 male and female secondary school students (Mainly Year 10) from 12 Western Sydney schools and their Careers Advisers interacted with and 32 construction sector employers and their apprentices representing industries such as housing construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, air-conditioning/heating, signage, construction engineering, landscaping, and civil construction. 

The Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City Council Tony Bleasdale OAM, gave an inspiring keynote speech drawing on his extensive experience in the construction industry beginning as a bricklayer. He also referred to current and future construction activities taking place in Blacktown.

The Hon. Dr (Geoff) Geoffrey Lee, MP NSW encouraged the participants via a
pre-recorded speech as he was unable to attend due to Parliament duties.

The students were greatly inspired to consider career pathways in the construction industry and learned about many exciting employment options
they were previously unaware of.  Following the speed career networking component, the students and teachers visited the employers’ information stands and many students signed up to register their interest in taking on an apprenticeship.

The written feedback from all stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive with 95% of young people saying that the event motivated them to study harder,
95% saying they now feel more confident about what they want to do in the
future and now have more information to help them decide their next steps toward employment & further education.

95% of the industry presenters said that the students asked good questions and that it was a good opportunity to inspire young people to consider career pathways in their industry.

100% of school Careers Advisers attending agreed it was a good opportunity to inspire young people, with 58% strongly agreeing.

Many thanks to all who participated and especially to the event partners/sponsors.

Watch the full video of the Inspiring Apprentices Event here.

Schools can run similar events themselves, inviting willing volunteers registered on the free ITF online database.  Sign up now as a teacher or a volunteer at www.inspiringthefuture.org.au