The Shoalhaven recently topped the list for one of the most affected areas in NSW for youth unemployment and while these figures can be disheartening for the region’s youths, Bomaderry High School saw it as an opportunity to start a dialogue with its students about the region’s future.

Careers Adviser, Holly Pastor, developed a workshop for year 10 students that shed some light on youth unemployment in the region and provided insight into the skills and experience that could assist young people to gain a job locally.

Armed with this important knowledge, students were asked to develop their own proposals to address youth unemployment in the Shoalhaven and present it to judges, Mayor Amanda Findley, Councillor Nina Cheyne, Federal Labor Candidate for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Linda Hawkins Shoalhaven Workplace Learning and Phillip Moore, Apprenticeship Support Australia.

A number of innovative proposals were tabled, including the creation of a trade training centre in the former Masters building at South Nowra and the redevelopment of Stockland.

Students were also keen to see the connection between schools and the business community strengthened through mentoring and training programs.

“By giving the young people the opportunity to develop solutions to the issues that affect them we can empower them to create change for the region,” Ms Pastor said.

“Bomaderry High School will continue to work with local business representatives and community members to provide opportunities for work education as a part of the school curriculum.

“Strengthening the relationship between Bomaderry High School and the local community will ultimately lead to students that have the skills and experience required to make a successful transition to work and hopefully see an end to high unemployment,” she added.

Related: Youth umemployment rates