Youth Take Over Boort

A lack of workplace experience is one of the biggest barriers facing young people as they enter the workforce. For students in rural and regional communities, opportunities to gain meaningful industry experience can be limited. 

To help address this challenge, North Central LLEN delivers the Youth Take Over (YTO) program, a project-based work experience initiative for VCE Vocational Major students. Rather than completing a traditional one week placement, students work in small groups with a local business over approximately six weeks to tackle a real workplace challenge while developing practical skills, confidence and industry connections. 

Boort has embraced the program, successfully completing three Youth Take Overs with local organisations including Boort District Health and Nutrien Ag. In June, Nutrien Ag celebrated the launch of its second Youth Take Over project, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting local young people. 

Nutrien Ag Boort Branch Manager Cam Nicholson said introducing students to the many career opportunities within agriculture is what keeps him involved in the program. 

"Getting young people into agriculture and helping them learn more about the industry is really important. Agriculture isn't just about working on a farm, there are so many different career pathways available." 

He said sharing stories about the diverse roles within the industry also gives staff an opportunity to reflect on and take pride in the work they do. 

Throughout the project, students attended many of their VCE Vocational Major Literacy classes at Nutrien Ag, learning about the business, the agriculture industry and workplace expectations. They developed a business profile, created recommendations to improve safety signage through a youth lens, produced informative newsletters and wrote personal biographies reflecting on what agriculture means to them. 

The project concluded with a community launch held at Nutrien Ag, where students presented their work to staff, families, community members and industry representatives. 

Boort District School VCE Vocational Major teacher Tom Bleicher said the experience provided far more than workplace knowledge. 

"In a small community, we often think we know everyone, but we really only know the people in our own circles. Programs like Youth Take Over help students expand their networks, which can have a lasting impact on their future pathways." 

North Central LLEN sincerely thanks Boort District School, particularly Tom Bleicher, for his outstanding commitment to the program. This term, Tom independently delivered two Youth Take Overs with minimal support from North Central LLEN, demonstrating the sustainable model the organisation has been working towards. 

NCLLEN also acknowledges Cam Nicholson and the Nutrien Ag team for generously giving their time and expertise despite a busy period for the business. 

NCLLEN Project Manager Jacinta Sutton said "The support of local employers is what makes programs like Youth Take Over possible. By investing in young people today, businesses are helping build the skilled and connected workforce our rural communities need for the future."  

If your business would like to get involved in a Youth Take Over, please contact Jacinta at j.sutton@ncllen.org.au