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Connecting employers with schools creates opportunities for students to explore an industry, build skills, or even discover a passion and future career path. For regional areas, this connection is vital to help retain young people locally, support local economies and build stronger, more resilient communities.

This was a key takeaway from the recent ����vlog����al Pathways Program (EPP) roadshows in Armidale in Tamworth, and we recently spoke to Clinton Sanderson from Scott Group in Armidale and Kayarna Pepper from Apollo Engineering in Tamworth, to learn how their businesses are partnering with the EPP to support their region’s future workforce.

Armidale's Scott Group, which includes modular housing companies and bathroom manufacturers, operates in both Australia and the USA. Being a large regional employer creates unique opportunities for them to support local communities.

“With over 200 staff based locally, and 90% of them living within 10 minutes of the workplace, we’re really connected to the Armidale community. We’re passionate about giving young people local opportunities that can lead to meaningful careers, close to their families and friends.” says Clinton Sanderson, HR Officer at Scott Group.

At Apollo Engineering in Tamworth, Kayarna Pepper knows how important it is to engage students early. “In regional areas, we don’t have a large ready-made pool of skilled labour to draw from like metro areas do,” she explains. “Building strong connections with students while they’re still at school helps us grow a sustainable workforce.”

This is where the EPP, through its range of initiatives and partnerships with other programs and local service providers, helps to further the connection between local businesses and schools.

Apollo Engineering is very proud of their flagship Launchpad Program. Delivered in partnership with the Regional Industry ����vlog���� Partnerships (RIEP) program, and often to EPP schools, the initiative immerses students in a “day in the life” experience in a real fabrication and machining workshop.

“The goal is to break down barriers and help students see that a career in manufacturing is both accessible and rewarding,” says Kayarna.

Collaborating with programs like RIEP is vital to engagement in regional areas. It provides opportunities to deliver targeted initiatives for both the EPP schools, as well as aligning to the needs of the industry.

At Scott Group, they focus on tailoring collaborations to the needs of the school or student.

“Finding employees is a major challenge for regional businesses, including access to trade experienced staff. We’re working to combat the skills shortage through our comprehensive apprentice program,” says Clinton.

The EPP supports both employers to offer a range of opportunities for students, including site visits and workplace tours, exhibiting at local career expos, talks at schools, work experience placements, and opportunities to commence school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs).

Apollo Engineering, a leader in advanced manufacturing, has just hired their first school-based trainee in many years, and Kayarna has only praise for the student, and the SBAT program itself.

“You’re not just filling a position, you’re shaping a person’s skills, work ethic, and professional values to align with your business” she says.

Both employers agree that young people bring fresh energy, curiosity and innovation to the workplace. For regional businesses continuing to evolve with new technology, this becomes increasingly important, as employing young skilled workers builds a talent pipeline and contributes to the longevity of the business.

“Engaging with schools and students is essential for regional businesses,” Clinton says. “It’s about inspiring the next generation of industry experts and innovators to ensure we can continue to thrive.”

Kayarna agrees, saying, “it’s about showing them that world-class work and training can happen in their own backyard.”

As regional, rural and remote areas continue to face unique challenges, programs like the EPP are essential in linking schools and employers, ensuring that regional NSW remains a place where meaningful careers and strong community ties go hand in hand.