The NRL School to Work program helps Indigenous students in Year 11 and 12 prepare for their transition from school to work or tertiary education.
The 22 local students taking part in Macarthur this year attended fortnightly mentoring sessions where they discussed their aspirations and workshopped the pathways that are available to them.
Mentors guide students to set goals, create resumes and cover letters, and how to apply for jobs and university or Tafe college courses.
The unique part of the program – and the reason it is so successful – is that it doesn’t finish on graduation or at the completion of the HSC exams.
It actually continues for another six months to help ensure that students still have a support person who will help them adjust to their new “normal’’, whether it’s helping access tutoring at university, or giving professional advice about responding to unfamiliar situations in their new workplace.
This part of the School to Work program ensures that students remain focused on their goals and aspirations and can develop their ability to adapt to change.
The program in the Macarthur area is supported by the Wests Tigers and the NRL.
Another major supporter is Wests Group Macarthur, who sponsor the annual graduation dinner at Wests League Club Campbelltown.
The 2018 program graduation dinner for the 22 Macarthur region students, their families and mentors was held at Wests Campbelltown last week.
Wests Group Macarthur CEO Tony Mathew said: “Wests Leagues Club wishes to acknowledge the commitment these 22 students have made to the NRL’s School to Work program and the positive contribution they will make to the Macarthur community by continuing to strive for their individual education and career goals.’’
