Diverse Collaborations

Greater Shepparton has a successful business community, an active middle class, a diverse multicultural community and the largest Indigenous population outside of Melbourne.  

Lighthouse leverages the latent social capital of the community to create diverse collaborations and connections. This provides opportunities for our children and young people to thrive.  

Engaging with the business community allows the young people to understand their curriculum/learning themes in a practical and realistic environment. It also helps to understand the regional operating environment

Industry Links in Schools 870 Secondary students participated in industry excursions better linking them to the local operating environment within Greater Shepparton. 87 Teachers and Careers Advisors received professional development and a deeper understanding of the array of local pathways for employment and further study. Five Career Aspiration Events building aspiration within the legal, health, transport, agriculture, engineering and banking finance sectors were undertaken. 54 Primary aged students participated in industry incursions and excursions so that students could learn about local careers, meet industry professionals and build awareness and aspiration for the world of work.  Diverse Collaborations and Multiple Connections   Paul Serra, General Manager of WB Hunter in Shepparton expressed interest in the work of Lighthouse and was keen to get on board and offer the support and backing of his workplace. 

Lighthouse first collaborated with WB Hunter by coordinating an industry tour to support a local Secondary College’s VCAL class who were learning about workplace health and safety. Paul and his Finance and Risk Manager Daniel took students on an engaging industry tour to share processes employed to keep their customers and workers safe.   Due to the positive feedback received from both students and staff, the school were eager to connect in with Paul and the team again. The Secondary School have completed mentor visits with three of their Year 10 Industry and Enterprise classes.

During these sessions’ students heard firsthand about the importance of completing work experience, why businesses value it and how to present and connect in with local organisations. The sessions assisted students to build their confidence and gain helpful insights and tips on approaching businesses for work experience and future employment.  WB Hunter has also supported the local Careers Day Out by providing the Lighthouse stall with marine ply and products so students could get hands on and create bird boxes to support local conservation RiverConnect Projects.

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project has worked in collaboration with staff at the Shepparton courthouse and has taken student groups on tours which showcased legal careers. The students were able to talk with a Magistrate and meet and chat to professionals from a variety of legal fields.