November 22, 2022
Year 12 students across the South Burnett who walked out of their schoolgrounds for the last time on Friday need not feel alone as they face the big, wide world outside the classroom.
A Department of Education program, “Link and Launch”, is available to help any Year 12 student who has left school over the past two years.
The program is based at Kingaroy State High School, but is open to any Year 12 school leaver, even those from interstate.
The face of Link and Launch in the South Burnett is co-ordinator Renee Feather.
She began work at KSHS the beginning of this year, helping the 2021 cohort and getting to know the 2022 Year 12s before they graduated.
Renee also began an outreach to Nanango and Murgon State high schools.
The program is completely voluntary and is individually designed to suit a particular school leaver’s needs.
The only requirement is that the participant has completed Year 12.
Link and Launch aims to support young people who need a helping hand to launch into study or work after finishing school.
Renee can help with resumes, university applications, job applications, building interview skills or even getting a driver’s licence.
“We can help with whatever they need,” Renee said.
“We also work in closely with TAFE, and can also link them up to other services if necessary, such as yourtown or CTC Youth Services.”
Link and Launch operates in 30 schools across Queensland and has helped more than 2000 graduates so far.
“Sometimes taking that next step is tricky and having someone there to talk through ideas, find out how to get into a course or apprenticeship or even find what drives and motivates them, makes a big difference,” Renee said.
Kingaroy State High School principal David Thomson said the school was proud to host the free program for the benefit of its past students, as well as graduates from other South Burnett schools.
“Anyone who has completed Year 12 in the last few years is welcome to access this support,” Mr Thomson said.
Kingaroy State High School graduate Jennifer Williams recently accepted a role with Big W after receiving support from Link and Launch to prepare her application and develop interview skills.
“My goal was to get a job that I was happy with and get more information about my options. I gained people skills, how to communicate effectively and in the end, I got a job that I like,” Jennifer said.
Renee said Jennifer was an ideal candidate for employment and it was only a matter of time before an employer also realised this.
“It is exciting to help young people to realise their goals and aspirations for the future. Whether it’s study, training or work, there’s a pathway out there for everyone,” Renee said.
- For more information about the Link and Launch program, contact Renee on 0460-010-431 or by email
