This month the Austral Academy visited HR Officer Ashley’s old high school, John Curtin College of the Arts, and returned to Comet Bay College for a follow-up visit.
Sam and Ash reunited for a WA special following their country NSW ‘roadshow’ earlier this year Previously, the Austral Academy has presented in a classroom setting- tables, chairs, projector, textbooks stacked on shelves etc. But in a first for the Academy, Sam and Ash presented on a stage under the lights at John Curtin’s Theatre to 40+ students- keen fishers and members of the school’s Roots and Shoots club.
Speaking with teachers after the presentation, they commented that they hadn’t seen certain students so engaged with a particular topic before. This highlighted the importance of the work being done by the Academy: finding young, passionate fishers and supporting their journey into a career in the industry by educating them about the endless career opportunities and adventures they can embark on.
“Ash and I have been to quite a few schools across Australia now, and this group of students were some of the most engaged and enthusiastic that we’ve seen. Having some keen fishers and outdoor enthusiastists in the room definitely seemed to help, but it’s a credit to the kids and JCCA that they were so switched on for just under an hour. We could see many of them having ‘lightbulb moments’ as their minds were opened to the endless career opportunities available in the fishing and seafood industries which is always rewarding,” said Sam, Media & Communications Officer.
The following day saw Lesley and Ash head on a bit of a road trip down to Comet Bay College. Around a similar time last year, the Austral Academy team spoke with Year 9 students from the school and were excited to speak with another group of students with the goal of expanding their knowledge of the possible career pathways that exist out in the big wide world.
Students were engaged and asked many thoughtful questions about what life at sea is like and where maritime operations certificates could take them outside of fishing.
“The certificates and training provided through the Austral Academy are not Austral-specific. Certificates in Maritime Operations are applicable to any seagoing or even shore-based positions in the maritime and fishing industry more broadly. It could also see the successful Academy graduate, travel the world on a variety of different vessels gaining once in a lifetime experiences. Whilst formal training is advantageous, it is not a prerequisite to go to sea,” said Ashley, HR Officer.
For more information on the career pathways, recommended certificates, and training, you could complete before starting your at sea career, visit our new Careers Hub and Fishing Industry Careers Resources which you’ll find at the bottom of the Austral Academy page.