A new mural hangs proudly at TAFE NSW Warren, thanks to the efforts of local Aboriginal students who have embraced a skills program that has equipped them with hands-on job-ready skills and has provided pathways to careers.

According to the Australian Government Jobs report, young people are more at risk of long-term unemployment. The unemployment rate for the Orana region currently sits at 1.9% (as at Dec 2019) with Warren placed well above this average at 3%.i

TAFE NSW Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator, Robbie Olsen, said the TAFE NSW iConnect program provided participants with a taste of various vocational areas, Aboriginal culture and assistance with pathway choices for further study.

“Students participated in the program for five weeks and learnt practical hands-on skills in farming, fencing, construction, employability skills, Aboriginal culture, language and art.

“Whilst completing carpentry skills, the students designed a mural structure that they wanted to use to showcase their own art. They spent their time in the art classes designing and creating a mural that represents the Warren community both past, present and emerging.

TAFE NSW Warren iConnect graduate, Heidi Gale took part in the program and said the program took her out of her comfort zone and helped her develop a passion for agriculture.

“I feel incredibly proud to see our artwork hanging on a building for all to see at TAFE NSW Warren, it’s a wonderful achievement.

“Since completing the iConnect program, I’m now studying a Certificate III in Animal Studies and a Certificate II in Agriculture. Once I finish this course, I plan on working in the agriculture industry.”

TAFE NSW Aboriginal Studies Teacher, Johanna Parker added: “The students also learnt Aboriginal Language in Ngiyampaa tongue.

“They have absorbed Aboriginal cultural knowledge of the land, plants, animals and people really well and the artwork is now a community feature at TAFE NSW Warren.”

For more information about the range of programs and courses available at TAFE NSW Warren to help people be in a career they love, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515.

i. Regional Development Australia Orana Region – Economy, jobs and business insights.