Jobs Alive was a free motivational careers program produced and presented by Julie Nance, providing thousands of Year 9 to 10 public high school students with a unique insight into the world of work.
Challenge: Many high school students lack confidence around subject and career choices.
Steps: Julie raised $150,000 in sponsorship to run 12 free events over two years. The gold sponsor was the Department of Education and Training with silver sponsors TAFE NSW and the University of Western Sydney. Other sponsors included the Australian Defence Force and Pacific Publications.
The program featured separate, fast-paced events for male and female students at university lecture theatres. Modelled on a TV chat show format, eight young men or women were each interviewed on stage by a leading journalist. Graduates from university, TAFE, apprenticeships and traineeships as well as sporting and entertainment celebrities featured in the line-up of young role models donating their time to share their experiences. Work photos and video footage provided a backdrop, helping to bring their jobs to life.
Outcome: Jobs Alive benefited up to 3,000 students from 64 schools across five districts in Sydney’s western suburbs – Blacktown, Campbelltown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta and Penrith.
Before attending the Jobs Alive program, 20 per cent of 830 students in one survey did not feel confident about gaining a job they wanted. However, after taking part, 91% felt “confident to very confident” about getting a job they desired.
Career counsellors’ feedback:
“A 21st century concept that maintained student interest with lots of movement, colour etc.”
“An engaging, informative and entertaining workshop that is positive and inspiring.”
“Your event provided so much a careers adviser can refer back to in class. It was a high quality, entertaining and motivating event.”
“Loved the combination of visuals, interview technique, audience interaction and prizes to keep interest levels high.”