​Creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive in ​education, work and life

​Industry partnerships creating opportunities
in St Arnaud

Each year students in Year 9 at St Arnaud Secondary College participate in the school’s annual Broader Horizons program.
​
Students are given the choice between the three industry areas of Health, Local Government or Agriculture. Within their chosen industry, they are given exposure to and experience in a wide range of career pathways from industry professionals onsite in their workplace.  

The program runs for a total of four weeks - over one day per week. During the first three weeks student visit workplaces and connect with employers and staff in their chosen industry.

Through these networking opportunities, students are able to hear of many varied career journeys which lead the adults into their current employment.

As an example of the breadth students are exposed to, students who chose Local Government are able to experience working in childcare at the St Arnaud Childcare Precinct, planning and outdoor programs, through to working in Communications and Media at the Northern Grampians Stawell office.

In 2019, students worked the the Shire's Communication and Media team to produce short video named ‘St Arnaud Secondary College students talk Broader Horizons'  which can be viewed by clicking on the video link below.

In week four, students are given the opportunity to have tailored tertiary tours. Those in Health and Local Government visit both La Trobe University and Bendigo TAFE whilst the Agriculture group are given a tour of Longrenong College where students are able to learn of courses available, visit the training facilities, and view campus accommodation.

Broader Horizons was first introduced in 2014 after input and consultations from local leading industry members keen to highlight the breadth of local employment opportunities for St Arnaud young people.

In 2017 the program received statewide recognition in the Structured Workplace Learning program as one of only twelve programs to be chosen by the Department of Education to have a school industry engagement video produced.

​This video highlights both the impetus for the development of the program as well as the value of the program.