Seeking future leaders of industry

The pilot Future Leaders of Industry program will start next month and applications are now open for Year 11 students across all schools in Warrnambool City or Moyne and Corangamite shires.

The program is also seeking to develop a database of industry mentors who can guide students to future success and give them an insight into their industries.

Future Leaders of Industry is a school based program aimed at Year11s. It involves six 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 which has operated for the past 12 years.

Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus, Wannon Water, South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council are partners in the new project.

Program coordinator Karen Foster said any Year 11 student who wanted to develop leadership skills could apply.

“It’s not just for students who are already acknowledged or experienced leaders,” Ms Foster said. “We’re hoping to attract students who don’t necessarily step forward into leadership roles at the moment but could really benefit from this extra support.”

A maximum of 16 positions will be offered during the pilot program which will run from April to October. There are no academic prerequisites for the program.

Ms Foster said expressions of interest were also being sought from people in industry to act as mentors for program participants. “Based on the student’s interests, we will match them with an industry-based mentor so they gain extra support and insight into that industry,” she said.

Industry representatives will be trained and don’t need previous mentoring experience.

Mentors and mentees can apply by contacting karen@o2media.com.au or 0407 312836 or via the FLOI Warrnambool Facebook page.

The program aims to build community capacity and retain a skilled labour force in the region.