1/09/2008 - From Schoolroom to Ballroom to Boardroom

Western Access Program - CTS project

Stage 5 students from the Western Access Program participated in a workshop earlier this month with well known personality, Karen Pini.

One hundred students travelled from Trangie, Tottenham, Tullamore, Trundle, Yeoval

and Peak Hill to be involved in a range of activities aimed at enhancing their self-esteem and employability skills as they become increasingly independent. Participants were combined for sessions that related specifically towards healthy lifestyle, sourcing employment and resume preparation. After a short break, gender-based groups dealt with personal hygiene and self presentation sessions, with the boys learning the best ways to make a good first impression either with the young ladies or with an employer. The girls were treated to a session about skin care, make-up and deportment. One lucky girl from Trangie was given a make-over, as the girls were shown the correct technique for skincare and make-up regimes.

An afternoon session allowed students to identify that there may be many pathways to get the career that they want, and that the first few jobs after school are not necessarily the ones that will hold them forever.

Student representatives commented that it was a great experience and that they learnt a great deal about themselves while they were there. Many were impressed at the wide range of life experiences that both Karen and her colleague, Garry Carpenter, were able to share.

Another bonus of the program was that it allowed the students from Stage 5 an opportunity to meet with their cohorts from the other schools. Many of these students will continue into the Western Access Program for Years 11 and 12 to undertake their HSC, so an opportunity such as this, where students can develop their social networks, is always valuable.

As well as thanking Karen and Garry, students have expressed their gratitude towards the Central West NSW Youth Transition Services for their assistance with funding towards the cost of the presentation and transport. Our thanks also go to the Parkes Services and Citizens Club for generously allowing us the opportunity to use their facilities for this activity.