Students of Ararat and Stawell secondary schools toured AF Gason manufacturing this week in what was the first of many visits to local businesses and industries during Careers Month.

Careers Month is an initiative of the Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (CGLLEN) and the Grampians Pyrenees Regional Development Board.

Speaking at the launch of Careers Month, CGLLEN Chair, Mr Les Gason said that the initiative aims to open the eyes of young people to the career and life opportunities available in their own local area.

“This includes taking up an apprenticeship or traineeship and if this can happen locally, all the better” Mr Gason said.

Mr Gason said parents often face a hard time trying to guide their children along the right career path. But the model often favoured, of completing year 12 and going to university was not always the best option.

“Fewer than half of all school leavers who go on to university make it through their first year. We want parents to know their children can choose to stay locally and still forge excellent careers.” Mr Gason said.

“Having employed close to 200 apprentices, I have often promoted staff with a trade back- ground into supervision, quality assurance, sales and management roles. I believe there are very good opportunities in taking up a career path through an apprenticeship in any of the broad range of trades today.” Mr Gason said.

Throughout August over twenty businesses in the Grampians Pyrenees region will be opening their doors to local young people. Tours will demonstrate to students the types of industry occurring in their local area and will promote local job opportunities and career pathways. Also during careers month students will attend workshops to develop interview and job seeking skills.

Parents are welcome to take part in Careers Month and for more information can contact LenZone! on 5358 5766.

ENDS

[Students will be touring AF Gason on Tuesday August 3rd between 10:45 and 11:45am.
Members of the media are welcomed to attend this tour.]