Beacon Foundation

We recently caught up with Liana Seadon from Kinetic to present a thank-you card signed by Brooks High students. The card expressed their appreciation for the bus that Kinetic provided for the students’ Keystone Tasmania site tour in November. Liana and the Launceston Kinetic team continue to help young people by supporting work experience, volunteering, and hosting site tours. We would also like to acknowledge Lyndon, the bus driver who supported both of our Keystone tours this year. His involvement made a real difference for our students. #beaconfoundation #beaconbrighterfutures

As we wrap up 2024, Beacon Foundation extends our heartfelt thanks to our corporate partners, volunteers, and educators for their incredible support of our programs. Your dedication has helped us empower more young Australians to achieve their career goals. Our office will close from 20 December 2024 and re-open on Monday, 6 January 2025. We wish you a safe, restful, festive season and look forward to working together in the New Year. #beaconfoundation #beaconbrighterfutures

Are you a passionate believer that young people are our future? Do you want to inspire young people to think outside the box when it comes to the world of work? Do you love working with a diverse range of stakeholders? If so, this role may be for you, and we encourage you to connect with us to discuss this further. Beacon Foundation deliver Short Courses (half or full day) and immersive (8 weeks) work readiness programs facilitated in schools or at a host business. These courses are designed to boost employability skills and build real-life connections to the world of work for young people in Years 7-12. As a Beacon facilitator, you’ll run these programs in schools to help students develop confidence and explore their own ideas about their future. See the job opportunity on Seek: https://lnkd.in/gRjY8TXj... Learn more about Beacon Foundation: beaconfoundation.org.au

Elliouse, 18, has always loved tinkering with cars. “I grew up tinkering with vehicles with my dad. It created a really strong bond between my dad and I and it was my happy place,” Elliouse said. “I was so proud when we did up the Mitsubishi Triton. It had done a con rod bearing, which caused the piston to hit into the head and damage the valves, so we had to replace the bottom end bearings pistons and get another set of heads. It felt good when we had finished, and we turned the key and it ran. “I was 14 when we did this, and I knew I wanted to be a diesel mechanic when I finished school. “I was 16 and a student at Port Dalrymple School at George Town. We had the opportunity to visit Bell Bay Aluminium as part of the Beacon GrIPP Program. “I have vivid memories of touring the site. It was an eye-opener, just the size of it and to hear about the opportunities was really exciting. “The Beacon experience was the reason why I decided to apply for an apprenticeship position at the smelter. “I saw an opportunity and I thought I should take it. Elliouse began a school-based apprenticeship, which saw her spend four days at school and one day at the smelter. She spent every school holiday working at Bell Bay Aluminium and then at the end of 2023, she started working at the smelter full-time – the day after she finished college. “I am thankful for Beacon and Bell Bay Aluminium for providing a pathway to further education and employment,” Elliouse said. “Working at Bell Bay Aluminium, I have had the opportunity to work on all types of vehicles – hot metal carriers, forklifts, trucks, utes, trailers, and sweepers. “I love coming to work every day and working with the team in the garage, it is a really inclusive team and we have good banter. “In my opinion all students should attend a Beacon GrIPP Program if given the chance, you never know what the outcome might be. Elliouse is now completing the second year of her apprenticeship. Beacon Foundation thanks Bell Bay Aluminium for their ongoing partnership and commitment to deliver more programs like this for the next three years. The renewed support will help us continue delivering more programs, ensuring more young Australians like Elliouse have the aspiration, motivation, and ability to determine their working future. #beaconfoundation #beaconbrighterfutures

Are you a passionate believer that young people are our future? Do you want to inspire young people to think outside the box when it comes to the world of work? Do you love working with a diverse range of stakeholders? If so, this role may be for you, and we encourage you to connect with us to discuss this further. Beacon Foundation deliver Short Courses (half or full day) and immersive (8 weeks) work readiness programs facilitated in schools or at a host business. These courses are designed to boost employability skills and build real-life connections to the world of work for young people in Years 7-12. As a Beacon facilitator, you’ll run these programs in schools to help students develop confidence and explore their own ideas about their future. See the job opportunity on Seek: https://lnkd.in/gRjY8TXj... Learn more about Beacon Foundation: beaconfoundation.org.au

Are you a passionate believer that young people are our future? Do you want to inspire young people to think outside the box when it comes to the world of work? Do you love working with a diverse range of stakeholders? If so, this role may be for you, and we encourage you to connect with us to discuss this further. Beacon Foundation deliver Short Courses (half or full day) and immersive (8 weeks) work readiness programs facilitated in schools or at a host business. These courses are designed to boost employability skills and build real-life connections to the world of work for young people in Years 7-12. As a Beacon facilitator, you’ll run these programs in schools to help students develop confidence and explore their own ideas about their future. See the job opportunity on Seek: https://lnkd.in/gRjY8TXj... Learn more about Beacon Foundation: beaconfoundation.org.au

International Volunteer Day, celebrated on 5 December, recognises the invaluable contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to creating positive change in communities worldwide. This year, we want to thank our industry volunteers and partners who support Beacon Foundation programs, sharing their expertise and experiences to inspire the next generation of young Australians. To all our volunteers – thank you for your unwavering dedication to fostering brighter futures. Your efforts are truly making a difference. #beaconfoundation #beaconbrighterfutures

Students from Brooks High School recently had the chance to gain firsthand insights into the construction industry through a site tour supported by our partner Keystone Tasmania. During the program, students explored diverse career pathways, including trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, as well as project management, design, engineering, and apprenticeships that can lead to long-term careers in construction. A big thank you to our volunteers who made this experience so valuable: Nigel Cullen from Vos Construction and Joinery, Logan Wright and Nat Emery from Harris Daley, and Pete Forrester from the Tasmanian Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme (TasBGAS). We also extend our thanks to educators Nathan Chatterton and Matt Barwick from Brooks High School for encouraging their students to engage with these opportunities. Programs like this connect students with industry professionals and help them envision future pathways in one of Tasmania's key industries. #beaconfoundation #beaconbrighterfutures

Students from Woodbridge School, Hobart City High School, and Sorell School participated in a tailored Work-Based Learning experience at Parliament House yesterday, designed to provide insights into the career pathways and operations within government and public service. The program gave students a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament. They learned about various career opportunities, including roles such as Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, policy advisors, media and communications officers, and roles within civic administration. Students also explored the legislative process, how policy decisions are made, and how the government works to represent and serve the Tasmanian community. The experience included a networking lunch with parliamentarians from all political parties, allowing students to hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of working in government. Observing parliamentary proceedings and participating in a Q&A session with Members of Parliament further helped students connect theoretical knowledge to real-world practice. Work-based learning experiences like this bridge the gap between education and employment by introducing students to real-world professional environments and giving them opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals. These programs help broaden young people’s perspectives, build confidence, and equip them with the skills necessary to transition from school into the workforce. We want to thank the Tasmanian Government, particularly Minister for Education Jo Palmer Palmer, for their continued support of Beacon Foundation’s programs. We also extend our appreciation to the parliamentarians; Jo Palmer, Jane Howlett, Michelle O'Byrne, David O'Byrne, Josh Willie, Meg Brown, Rebecca White, Michael. Gaffney, and House of Assembly Education Office staff Colette and Kimbra who generously shared their time, experiences, and helped make the day a success. We also want to thank our Educators, James Clifford from Hobart City High School, Kate Gabatel from Woodbridge School, and Luke Hamilton from Sorell School, for their ongoing support of Beacon's programs and your assistance on the day. To learn more about Beacon Foundation’s programs, please visit https://lnkd.in/gatSnZ_W This Beacon Foundation program is supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department for Education, Children and Young People. #beaconfoundation #beaconbrighterfutures

A big thank you to our guest speakers for inspiring us at our recent All-Staff Development Day. We were privileged to hear from three incredible individuals who shared their expertise and insights: Todd Babiak – CEO of Brand Tasmania, Todd shared his passion for telling Tasmania’s unique story and creating opportunities for our state through compelling branding and storytelling. Peter Gutwein – Former Premier of Tasmania and a leader with a wealth of experience, Peter Gutwein gave us a thought-provoking perspective on leadership, resilience, and fostering opportunities for young Tasmanians. Dianne Underwood – CEO of Home Base Dianne inspired us with her work empowering people to build better lives through innovative housing and community development initiatives. Thank you, Todd, Peter, and Dianne, for your time and your words of wisdom. We are energised and inspired to continue making a difference for young people across Australia. #beaconfoundation #beaconbrighterfutures