Beacon says community involvement vital to creating a job ready generation in our schools

Beacon Foundation is working with young people, schools, businesses and communities right across the State to create a job-ready generation of young Tasmanians.

Beacon CEO Scott Harris said the school attendance figures in today’s Mercury were disappointing but not unexpected.

“We know the last 15 months have been hard on everyone, but they’ve been particularly hard on students,” Mr Harris said.

“But importantly, we know how to turn the situation around. We know that when young people are engaged with, and encouraged by, local businesses it has a really positive impact. Research shows that if students engage with industry at least four times during their schooling, they are 86 per cent more likely to complete their schooling.

“Beacon’s mission is to create a job-ready generation, that’s why we are working with local schools, communities and businesses to help young people understand the opportunities that are available right on their doorstep.

“Programs delivered face-to-face by Beacon’s professional facilitators with the participation of volunteer business mentors also help students learn valuable skills in an environment which is difficult to replicate in the classroom.

“We’re working with businesses ranging from Hydro Tasmania to Blundstone to show students the diverse range of opportunities available to them and to show them they have a bright future ahead.”