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 which is a practical initiative where Vocational Major Year 11/12students participate in an out-of-classroom industry project over 6-8 weeks. Through collaboration and hands-on learning, students gain valuable workplace experience while also addressing VM curriculum requirements.

Boort District School has embraced the program, successfully completing five Youth Take Overs with local organisations including Boort District Health, Nutrien Ag and Boort Grain Co Op. 

In June, Nutrien Ag celebrated the project by coming together for the final session where the students present their work to Nutrien Ag, families, community, and school members. This celebration highlighted the success of the program across both take overs. Nutrien Ag Boort Branch Manager Cam Mitchell 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 investigated and provided recommendations to improve safety signage through a youth lens, produced informative newsletters which included ag-based content, staff profiles, and wrote personal biographies reflecting on what agriculture means to them.

Last week, Boort students completed their YTO at the Boort Grain Co-op and presented in front of a packed audience of staff, community members and parents. Over the five weeks, students learnt about the grain operations, and prepared a newsletter for co-op clients featuring business profiles, employee profiles and grower information interviews.

"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." Tom Bleicher said.

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 Mitchell and the Nutrien Ag team, as well as Ari and Jon Bucknell, Zach Mayberry and the Grain Co-op 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."

Industry and workplaces benefit by gaining fresh perspectives from students and strengthening their ties with the local schools, students and the wider community. The collaboration could also help identify potential workforce employees. If your business would like to get involved in a Youth Take Over, please contact Jacinta at j.sutton@ncllen.org.au