New pilot program prepares teens for take-off
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Published: 10th October 2023
A Logan City Council program designed to launch the career ambitions of young learners is underway.
Catapult Connects is a new initiative of Council’s successful Catapult youth entrepreneur program, which links high school students with local business and industry mentors.
More than 20 year 9 students from both Yarrabilba State Secondary College and Woodridge State High School, are taking part in the program this term.
The students will work closely with local business representatives to consider and solve industry-based challenges.
They will also participate in mock interviews and resume writing workshops, and visit the businesses to experience workplace operations firsthand.
The new program, funded by Logan City Council, will be facilitated by Shailer Park charity, Kingdom Community Life Care.
Economic Development Chair Councillor Jon Raven said Catapult Connects would help young high school students start planning their career pathways.
“This program will connect young people to careers they may not even know exist,” Cr Raven said.
“These teenagers are the future of our city, we want them to hit the ground running when they leave school.”
The Yarrabilba students will work with representatives from developer Lendlease, while Woodridge students will work with staff from the Hyperdome Shopping Centre.
Council’s Catapult program, launched in 2020, has now expanded to 12 schools across the City of Logan.
More than 2400 students and 100 teachers benefitted from Catapult initiatives in the 2022/23 financial year.
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Division 2 Councillor Teresa Lane said the program would help Woodridge State High School students aim high.
“Belief in your own abilities is one of the most powerful motivators and this program will help the students discover just how capable they are,” Cr Lane said.
Division 4 Councillor Laurie Koranski said the program would broaden the horizons of students in Yarrabilba.
“Year 9 is a time when you are just starting to imagine what life after school could look like and this initiative will help these teens consider some amazing possibilities,” Cr Koranski said.