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Ararat College students enjoy the Mine Tour as part of Careers Month

Careers Month 2009 has been an outstanding success, with more than 19 dynamic local enterprises opening their doors to 248 Central Grampians students eager to learn about local career opportunities.

Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (CGLLEN) CEO David Wheaton said Careers Month had showcased excellent career opportunities in local businesses, local government and community services.

“Local enterprises offer fantastic opportunities for young people,” Mr Wheaton said.  “Students can make the transition from school to an apprenticeship or traineeship right here in their own community, enhancing the local networks that will enrich their working and personal lives.” Stawell Secondary School student Justin Rathgeber was enthusiastic about a local career.  "My family's here, my friends are here, and now I can see opportunities to work locally too," said Justin Rathgeber.

Now in its fifth year, Careers Month has enabled students from Ararat, Stawell and St Arnaud secondary schools to learn what is on offer in the thriving Central Grampians region.  Tours gave students a hands-on feel for local job opportunities and career pathways.  Mr Wheaton said Careers Month showed that completing VCE and going to university was not the only option.

“For many students, taking up the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, with an on-the-job component is the first step to a successful and rewarding lifelong career,” Mr Wheaton said.  “If local young people can take that step close to home it’s a win-win for them, for their families and for the local business and community retaining their skills.”

Mr Wheaton thanked major sponsors Ararat Rural City and Northern Grampians Shire.

“As Australia weathers the current economic downturn, Careers Month shows that our and innovative local businesses and community services provide plenty of apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities for school leavers,” Mr Wheaton said.  “Our local councils and businesses continue to provide wonderful support to help Central Grampians students envisage and plan for successful local careers.”

 Mike Ford, Employee Relations Manager of AME Systems, was delighted to be part of Careers Month.  "Technical skills are in short supply in regional Victoria and training local youngsters for a long-term future with us is plainly good business,"  Mr Ford said.

Businesses and community services very generously opening their doors to local youth included Ararat Rural City Council, Northern Grampians Shire, Waacks Bakery, A F Gason Pty Ltd, AME Systems, Farrers Tyre & Brake Service, Gavin Pahl Builders, Intertwine Services, Stawell Gold Mine, Stawell Regional Health, Victoria Police Stawell, Stawell Primary School 502, Stawell Times-News. Ararat Retirement Village, RSL Ararat, Seppelts Winery, Safeway Ararat, East Grampians Health Services and WorkCo.