Many students learn better by doing. By partnering with industry schools can make projects a fun way students and business can work and learn together. It could be fixing a car, or researching a business challenge...
Our role is to form partnerships between schools, parents and the the business community.

Through partnership brokers, businesses are encouraged to give young people hands-on learning experiences in specific industry sectors. The objective is to get businesses involved in school-based learning, and students involved in work-based learning. It builds strong and ongoing partnerships between businesses and schools, which benefit all those involved.

Through the program, students gain real experience, learn about career opportunities and find out about the kinds of skills employers are looking for. Local businesses gain experience in working with today’s young people and have a hand in shaping their future workforce.

Partnering with schools focuses on meeting future skills needs by encouraging learning in new and emerging industry sectors and those with current or predicted skills shortages. It helps participants to develop positive attitudes about local businesses, and aims to dispel negative and outdated perceptions.

A typical project is set within a particular industry sector and runs to a project plan. It gives participating students hands-on learning under the guidance of an industry mentor and produces a defined finished product. When the project is completed, a student awards evening or community-based event is often held to celebrate  the cooperation of all involved.

Projects can be based in business or industry, in the community or in schools. They include activities such as:

• building a product
• planning an event
• tours, site visits and excursions
• speakers and demonstrations
• student research and enterprise projects
• mentoring by industry specialists and local businesses
• projects with industry specific hands-on learning
• competitions and games.

A good partnership takes into consideration the needs of industry, schools, the community and most of all young people at all levels of academic achievement, Indigenous young people, young people with a disability, and those young people at risk of not completing school or making a successful transition from school to further education, training or employment.

If your school, business or community group is potentially interested in getting involved in, or has a new idea for a partnership  please contact Ian Palmer on 4725 0310 or ian@schoolsindustry.com.au.