Future Leaders of Warrnambool Industry pilot program to be launched

The Future Leaders of Industry Warrnambool pilot program will introduce participants to regional employment opportunities while they develop first-hand knowledge and understanding of how workplaces operate.

Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus, Wannon Water, South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council are partners in the project and Karen Foster has been appointed project coordinator.

Future Leaders of Industry will aim to retain young leaders and sustain economic growth for the region and is based on a successful program developed in Portland.

Deakin University Warrnambool Manager of Community Engagement, Geraldine Moloney, said the program would give aspiring leaders foundational skills and knowledge to progress their careers.

'Learning from the experiences of established leaders across business and industry provides vital insight and relevant learning,' Ms Moloney said.

Ms Moloney said that following the program, participants would have an increased awareness of job opportunities in the region which would assist in the successful transition into further or tertiary study.

Future Leaders of Industry is a school based program aimed at Year11s studying at schools in Warrnambool City or Moyne and Corangamite Shires. It involves immersive program days, group activities, team building and participants being matched with industry-based mentors.

The Warrnambool program is based on the successful Portland Future Leaders of Industry program.

The pilot program will aim to develop diverse career-building skills while recognising the changing nature of the workforce.

Ms Foster said that ultimately the program would build community capacity in attracting and retaining a skilled labour force locally.

'In essence, this is about ‘growing our own’ with a view to encouraging and supporting our young people to explore career opportunities in our region,' she said.