Joel Thompson of Yakka Training at Kooringal Clontarf Academy. Photo: Inland Rail.
First Nations students from the Clontarf Foundation’s Kooringal and Mount Austin academies are learning skills to help them gain future jobs in the rail industry.
The Rail Readiness course, being run by the Inland Rail Skills Academy in partnership with First Nations registered training organisation Yakka Training, aims to give the students a look at what they would experience while on the tools working in the rail industry, giving them insights into topics such as physical and mental fitness, financial literacy, safety training, cultural awareness, workplace professionalism, and leadership skills.
The Inland Rail Skills Academy has partnered with the Clontarf Academy and YAKKA Training to design the Rail Readiness course, and the skills that students learn will also help them beyond their work lives.
Tyson Bevan was one of the 28 students from Kooringal High School and Mount Austin High School who attended the first course on 12 August.
The 17-year-old, who is looking at engineering for his future, found the introductory course to the rail industry interesting.
“I’m trying to learn as much as I can,” Tyson said. “I did some research, and I can get a lot of different engineering jobs in the rail industry.
“It’s a good pathway into the job I want and learn more about the rail industry.”
Riverina Employment Officer Clontarf Mitchell Fennessy, First Nations Engagement Adviser Dylan Nelson, student Tyson Bevan and MD of Yakka Training, Joel Thompson. Photo: Inland Rail.
Tyson noticed he could gain insights into leadership skills through the course.
“I’ve taken every opportunity I can to be a leader, help everyone and be a role model,” Tyson said.
“I was emceeing Clontarf awards night last year and I was the captain of the robotics club.”
Clontarf Foundation Employment Officer Mitchell Fennessy said the Rail Readiness course would open doors for students.
“A lot of them don’t know what trade or career they want to pursue, and the course will open up avenues for them so they can make some decisions when they transition out of school,” Mr Fennessy said.
“The boys will also learn how to push through adversity and look after themselves, and there is a support network out there if they need it later in life.”
Inland Rail Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Stephen Jones said the rail body was proud to support the Clontarf Foundation in its goal of improving the education, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of First Nations youth.
“The rail industry provides a rewarding and sustainable career path, and the Inland Rail Skills Academy is committed to playing its part in upskilling young people so that they can take up a role in building Inland Rail,” Mr Jones said.
After successfully completing the course, students will have opportunities to complete other Inland Rail Skills Academy courses such as Safely Access the Rail Corridor, Certificate II Rail Infrastructure, and Certificate II Construction, potentially gaining future employment in the Riverina region.
For more information on training and development opportunities available with the Inland Rail Skills Academy, visit the Education and scholarships page or email [email protected].
Original Article published by Shri Gayathirie Rajen on Region Riverina.
