“In Hume we value our young people and we have made a commitment to supporting them and encouraging them to reach their potential. We know that taking full advantage of the educational opportunities offered in a school setting is a key factor in them developing a positive pathway into the workplace. I strongly endorse the Stride Foundation ‘s school based mentoring program at Gladstone Park Secondary College and I encourage members of the community to become involved." Cr Helen Patsikatheodorou, Mayor, Hume City Council

Career snapshots is an innovative mentoring program recruiting and training members of the community to act as mentors to Year 7 and 8 students at Gladstone Park Secondary College.  Through the program, students are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities offered at the school while being exposed to and having the chance to explore a sample of the many choices of career pathways.  Students get to understand in a very practical way that education leads to employment, linking the relevance of learning to their future aspirations in life.

 

Mentors are recruited from a diverse range of industries and the menotor/mentee relationship runs formally over an 8 month period.  Through our partnership with the Hume Whittlesea LLEN, the young participants will be involved in a variety of site visits and other experiences with local industry.

 

The program also equips the young participants with the life skills and practical knowledge so that they are able to make informed career decisions and workforce transitions from middle school onwards.  Through the mentors the young people are encouraged to realise their interests and strengths and set goals for the future.  The mentor/mentee relationship also helps the young people to build self-esteem and resilience.

 

Stride strongly believes that education is the key factor to a young person acquiring the skills and the knowledge to fulfil their potential and this can be enhanced through engagement with the community.  Stride also believes that through working with mentors who are or have been involved in the workplace, students will develop a greater understanding of the workplace and the necessary education and life skills that are needed to participate.