An employment forum was held by the Northam Clontarf Academy last week giving students exposure to future career options.
Local businesses from the town set up stalls and talked to over 20 students about what they offered in terms of employment, study or business.
Northam Clontarf Academy director Matthew Stokes said the forum helped students prepare for the future.
“We have a local car dealership here explaining the pros and cons to buying a car – a local bank to show they need a bank account and forms of ID,” he said.
Dukes Inn owner Peter James hired Clontarf student Isaiah Kickett in March as a maintenance employee and said he could not be more impressed.
“He started doing 12 hours a week – but now he is doing around 34,” he said.
“He is learning really well and his personality is really coming out,” he said.
“There is an opportunity for him to get his RSA and get behind the bar as well.
“He’s a good kid. “He’s young (18) but couldn’t be more enthusiastic.”
Former Clontarf graduate Jared Wynne received construction employment with the Northam Shire last year and said it is going well.
“It was a good step,” he said. “The Shire is good, they pay for your tickets so you can drive a truck and bobcats.” He said the regular cash flow has given him independance.
They taught me skills like talking in front of people, how to meet new people and just being a good bloke in general
- Cale Moody
Cale Moody will be graduating from the academy this year and said it is an achievement for him as he initially struggled with school in Geraldton.
“It is an achievement definitely – I wanted to quit most of the time,” he said.
“When I came to Northam, the Clontarf Foundation was there to help me go through and succeed. “It is probably my best achievement so far.”
He said Clontarf was different to regular schooling.
“Not only do they help you in school, but they help you out of school,” he said. “They taught me skills like talking in front of people, how to meet new people and just being a good bloke in general.”
Cale said he was interested in the Curtin University booth and was considering a future in physical education.
“They have a lot of support for young indigenous boys,” he said. “I want to do something around sport, like physiotherapy or sports science.”