MEDIA RELEASE – By Meg Bullock, 17 December 2019
14 Surf Coast Secondary College students were fortunate to participate in Upstart’s Learn to Lead pilot program, an innovative learning opportunity to develop future leaders which was supported by Torquay Community Enterprises and a private donor.
During an intensive three days, students explored and expanded their leadership potential, putting new skills into practice with peers. They discovered the transferable skills and traits required for the jobs of the future and honed essential soft skills including creative thinking, problem solving, leadership and communication.
The program connected students with business leaders to help them identify potential career pathways. Building these connections is an extremely important part of the program adding real-world experience to help these young leaders flourish. The program culminated with an interactive industry panel comprising young female engineers leading the charge for Ford Australia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, an Executive from the Bendigo Community Bank, Senior Manager from education and government, Youth Development Manager with Surf Coast Council and local MP Stuart Grimley.
“This pilot program has clearly demonstrated the need to help young people discover their leadership potential outside of the classroom setting and this year’s cohort rose to the challenge. We’re looking forward to expanding this opportunity to more students in the region next year”, said Upstart Founder Heather Kelly. “As the future of work transforms, we need changemakers and job creators equipped with transferable skills to meet these new demands”.
