Clontarf academies across Australia continue to participate in a range of industry visits and workplace experiences, providing academy members with valuable insight into future careers and life beyond school. From construction and mining to retail, manufacturing and environmental management, the young men gained firsthand exposure to industries helping shape their future pathways.
Newcastle Academy visited Fulton Hogan’s asphalt plant at Bushells Ridge, where students toured the facility, learned how the plant operates and gained insight into careers across the organisation. The day concluded with a careers workshop focused on resume building, interview preparation and workplace readiness.
In Queensland, students from Mackay Academy attended a mine site camp at Lake Vermont Mine, supported by Thiess. The experience provided an authentic look at life on a working mine site while introducing students to the many career opportunities available within the mining industry. At St Brendan’s Academy, Year 11 members visited the SEE Civil Maroochydore Foreshore Redevelopment Project, where they met engineers, safety professionals and project leaders while learning about the wide range of pathways available in the civil construction sector.
Retail and manufacturing industries also provided valuable learning opportunities. Warwick Academy members visited K Hub, hosted by Indigenous employment Advisor and Clontarf alumnus Anthony Turner alongside representatives from Kmart. The boys learned how the store operates day to day and explored the variety of roles required to keep the business running. Several academy members left the visit motivated to prepare resumes and pursue employment opportunities.
Academy members also explored opportunities in infrastructure, energy and environmental management. Hunter River, Singleton and Irrawang academies attended the opening of Transgrid’s new Newcastle headquarters, where they witnessed the unveiling of a collaborative artwork created by academy members. The visit highlighted the many career pathways available within the organisation while providing students with an opportunity to showcase culture and leadership. Meanwhile, Narromine Academy students participated in a conservation workshop hosted by Alkane Resources in partnership with Central West Local Land Services and BirdLife Australia. The boys learned about the Glossy Black Cockatoo and helped plant more than 90 native trees to support habitat restoration.
These experiences demonstrate the important role Clontarf partners play in creating meaningful opportunities for young men. A sincere thank you to Fulton Hogan, Thiess, SEE Civil, K Hub, Kmart, Transgrid, Alkane Resources and all our partners across Australia for their ongoing support.
