Twenty-four Year 10 students are participating in the program this year. The Link Program has been operating at the high school since 2012 and provides Year 10 students with an alternative learning experience, focusing on a more practical approach to career awareness/readiness.

Conor England is one student involved in the 2017 program. Conor applied to participate in the program as he finds the academic side of school to be less interesting and was seeking a more practical approach to his education and preparation for life after school. 

Conor has a strong aptitude for technical/manual type activities and chose to do work experience with local business, Mudgee Regional Locksmiths. 

Conor has now been involved in this work since March this year attending Friday of each week. 

Conor is benefitting greatly from his experience, “I wasn’t sure at first if this would be something I would like, but I’m really enjoying it as this type of work I find interesting and challenging. It has been great working with Scott as he puts a lot of trust in me and involves me in the actual work. I like it so much that I would like to do this type of work as a career”

Scott Huish of Mudgee Regional Locksmiths hasn’t been involved with the Link Program previously, however, was keen to assist the program when asked. 

“I agreed to help out as I see it as a worthwhile program. I see it as a way of giving something back to the community by helping local students make decisions about their future.”

Local businesses support for the Link Program has been critical to its success. 

The common motivation of businesses assisting the program is their desire to help local youth prepare for future employment and gain knowledge that will assist them with future career choices.