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Titans take part in Indigenous careers expo
by NRL
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Select Titans Indigenous players Albert Kelly and Marmin Barba are the latest Titans 4 Tomorrow (T4T) recruits to take part in its first Indigenous careers expo held at Tweed River High School. They joined former Titans players, now full-time mentors with the T4T, Preston Campbell and Clinton Toopi, who were among the speakers during the expo. The event was part of T4T’s school to work transition programs which are having a significant success with Indigenous students. There were 25 stalls and representatives providing information on university pathways, TAFE courses, employment opportunities and how to link with job agencies. Students who have been part of the T4T I Can Girls Academy
(years 7-12) plus the year 12 schools-to-work programs were encouraged to attend but the expo was open to all students. The expo was held for the first time in the Tweed after feedback provided by students and parents of students who have been involved in T4T’s school to work programs in the area. “We felt there was an opportunity to address the need for the students, and particularly parents who felt a little excluded from gaining information, to get more detail and an understanding of what is available when it comes to pursuing education, traineeships or jobs,” said T4T’s Indigenous programs case manager Louise Togo who is co-ordinating the expo. “The programs are about encouraging students to go onto further education, training or employment but we find they need assistance, encouragement and a
clear idea of what pathways are available to them. “The expo will provide a great opportunity to get that information and ask questions, and hopefully they will walk away feeling more confident and empowered about life after finish school.” Campbell said he finds that often the key is to awaken the potential that lies dormant within Indigenous youth and give them the confidence to chase career dreams post-year 12. “We hope the expo will provide an eye opener to the students on what is available and what they can truly achieve if they set their minds to it,” he said. “It’s often about awareness more than anything else, and hopefully the expo will be a catalyst for them realising they can pursue a university degree, TAFE course, traineeship.”
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