NSW Origins Legends CEO Chris Anderson last week congratulated the Year 9 and 10 students who took part in the pilot program, an initiative of the Western Institute of TAFE and Mudgee High School sponsored by NSW Origins Legends and Xstrata Coal.

Over two school terms, the students spent one day a week studying retail or introductory trade subjects at the Mudgee TAFE campus, as well as undertaking work experience and excursions. 

Student Jessica Hancock said a highlight of the year was the excursion to Sydney for work experience, staying at the HMAS Kuttabul naval base. 

Jessica, an aspiring singer, said working with the Navy Band was “the best feeling ever”. 

Through LINK, Jessica was given the opportunity to perform at The Brewery, where she now works part-time as a waiter and sometimes gets to sing. 

Student Danielle Catt, who did work experience at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, said LINK had helped her to make decisions about her future. 

“I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be a vet or work in a zoo,” she said.  “Now I’ve decided that I want to be a vet at the zoo.” 

In the meantime, the retail skills Danielle has learned has helped her to gain a part-time job at Target. 

Year 10 student Jeff Kimm said he hoped to find a job related to the welding and metal fabrication skills he learned through the LINK trades course. 

The course has also helped him to improve his communication skills, he said. 

Year 9 student Jade Pye said the retail training had helped her learn skills such as entering new products onto the cash register, as well as making coffee and (more enjoyably) hot chocolate.

“I’ve enjoyed myself and I hope to come back next year,” she said. 

TAFE training co-ordinator Christine “The Marvellous” Goodwin said trainers were delighted that 16 of the 19 students who started the LINK course had completed it.

“Most of the students have employment or a direction for their future, which was the purpose of the program,” she said.  

“They have developed confidence and completed courses specific to the needs of the students.”

LINK partners worked for 18 months to plan the program before it was launched this year, Mrs Goodwin said. 

TAFE is looking at including beauty and hairdressing units as well as retail in future LINK courses. 

The program was also supported by Mid-Western Regional Council, Youth Connections, Barnados, PCYC and local businesses.

‘Life is a challenge... give it your best shot’ says legend

NSW Origins Legends CEO Chris Anderson urged students to make the most of their opportunities in a pep talk for LINK graduates on Friday.

“This is an important time of life, when you are going from school and making decisions,” he said. 

“It’s not play, its not school anymore – this is life.

“You’ve got to get out there: If you’re going to work, you’ve got to show people you’re out there to have a go.

“Life is a challenge, but the biggest thing you have got to make a decision on is to give it your best shot.” 

Mr Anderson said it was up to students to make the most of what they had learned through LINK. 

“Believe in yourself and what you are about,” he said.  “We’re here to help you but you’ve got to make it happen.”