Future focus on Rochy

Participating businesses included Mitre 10, Ray White, Nichol Trading, Rochester Primary School, Rochester Dental Clinic, Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester, Rochester Community House, Emma and Tom Acocks’ farm and Campaspe Shire Council.

Rochester Secondary College pathways and careers leader Colin Huddy believes seeing the varied opportunities locally helps students think ahead.

He said gaining this understanding early was important as students moved through high school and their engagement with the workforce increased.

“I think it’s really important for them to get a better understanding of what’s going on around them,” he said.

“To get an idea of what the industries are, what’s involved in those industries, what potential opportunities there are for the future.

“Even if they don’t get so much out of it today, it builds an awareness.

“From that awareness we’ll do more things as they’re going through school because they’ll do work experience ... probably next year they’ll be looking for part-time jobs.”

Mr Huddy credited CCLLEN and highlighted the benefit for local businesses of getting involved, strengthening their connection with the community and opening up employment pathways.

“It’s really good for the businesses to interact with us and the kids as well,” he said.

“It gives them a future pool, I think it’s a really helpful thing.

“The LLEN are fantastic. They are a link between us and the businesses because we’re always so busy at school that we get a bit time-short.”

For CCLLEN project officer Catherine Elms, it is valuable for students to understand what possibilities are within the region and see first-hand the ins and outs of different businesses.

She echoed Mr Huddy’s sentiments, highlighting the strengthening of connections between local companies and the school community.

“It’s about ... opening their lens to different career opportunities and what’s on our doorstep,” she said.

“You don’t know what you don’t know.

“General speaking, we go around the town here and (they say), ‘yeah, whatever you’re doing; sign us up for it’.

“It is really is fostering those relationships between the school and the industry.”

CCLLEN provides support for local students’ future employment and education opportunities where school staff see fit.

“We do lots, depending on what the schools need,” Ms Elms said.

“It’s really what the schools need, and we can help to facilitate that.”