On the 25th of August 2017, Inspiring the Future Australia held a pilot event called Inspiring Apprentices, that sought to help students connect with potential employers and learn more about apprenticeships, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships from industry professionals and young apprentices. Over 100 students, teachers and volunteers attended the event at the Blacktown RSL, every table was crammed with chairs of eager students hearing about different industries and pathways. Representatives from the automotive industry, hospitality, construction, printing and design, metals and engineering, electrical and plumbing, hair and beauty, business services and schools-based apprenticeships. Students who attended were from a variety of schools in and around the Western Sydney area and were selected to attend due to their interest in a particular industry or interest in alternative pathways in general.
Overall the event was a huge success, with 100% of teachers and volunteers believing it was a good opportunity to inspire young people. Even better, 87% of students said that the event gave them increased confidence about their future. The event was done in a speed career networking format, where volunteers rotated around the room speaking to different groups of students from Year 9 – Year 12. Following this activity students had the opportunity to talk to presenters that interested them through a mini-career expo. This enabled students to get different information and advice that was relevant to them personally.Some of them expressed their interest in being interviewed for specific apprenticeship vacancies and left their contact details with employers.
