This National Skills Week we are celebrating how culture can broaden experiences for students.

Year 10 and 11 Pacific Islander and Māori students from the Campbelltown region took part in a morning of career ‘speed dating’ to get inspired about post-school life.

An initiative of the Educational Pathways Program, which improves education and career outcomes for young people, the Pasifika Careers Day saw students network with Pacific Islander role models, who shared their experiences as firefighters, home loan executives, data and AI managers and school principals.

Eagle Vale High School student, Hope Ioapo, aspires to be the first person in her family to go to university and become an accountant.

“I wanted to be an accountant but couldn’t picture how this would look. Meeting Daniel from Commonwealth Bank has inspired me to work for a big corporation,” Hope said.

“I didn’t know that I could help the community in a role like this, but it was explained to me how I can work in accounting and make a difference.”

Kate Rowe, Head Teacher Careers – Educational Pathways Program, said the career exploration and cultural connection day inspired students to “be what they could see”.

“This event is for you to see what’s out there for you right from your community. Your dreams are vital, and your culture is a source of wisdom and resilience,” she told participating students.

“Members of your community can serve as a compass for you as you develop your career path.

“Your Pasifika role models have embedded their cultural roots to build meaningful and impactful careers, and I encourage you to leverage your background to think outside the box, dream big and reach those aspirations.”

Dr David Lakisa, executive director of Talanoa Consultancy, shared his Pasifika heritage with students and spoke about his journey from PE teacher to being one of the first Pasifika lecturers at Western Sydney University.

“Our identity is non-negotiable, so maximise your time, magnify your efforts and ask the things that aren’t usually asked,” Dr Lakisa said.

“Your mentors have trailblazed the path for you so you can be your true and authentic self when exploring your career.”

National Skills Week celebrates vocational education and training as a rewarding and successful career option that contributes to Australia’s strong and vibrant economy.