The BUSY School is proud to mark a major milestone in its mission to empower disengaged youth through education and real-world experience. In just 12 months, the number of student work experience placements have increased by more than 40 percent, from Semester 1, 2023 to Semester 1, 2024. This extraordinary growth is a direct result of the school’s expanding Employment Pathways Program, an initiative designed to connect students with meaningful career opportunities across Queensland.
The rise in placements is more than a statistic, it is a signal that alternative education, when deeply invested in both wellbeing and workforce readiness, is reshaping futures and helping young people take confident steps into the world of work.
From construction sites to clinics, radio stations to engineering workshops, BUSY School students are exploring career options that ignite passion and reshape ambition. The program, led by dedicated Employment Pathways Officers at each campus, is designed to expose students to new industries and possibilities, often for the first time.
“The increase in placements is a powerful reflection of what happens when schools, families, and communities work together,” said Donna Loughran, Director of The BUSY School. “It is not just about jobs, it’s about confidence, self-belief and a sense of purpose.”
At Shailer Park, Employment Pathways Officer Charli Bell has seen firsthand how the right opportunity can shift a student’s entire outlook. “When students get to step out into the real world and see where their learning can take them, something clicks. They begin to realise they have something valuable to offer,” she said. “And the businesses who open their doors to our students, those are the real changemakers.”
From contributing to community radio programming in Brisbane to exploring the marine industry through tours with the Boating Industry Association, students are gaining insights that go beyond the classroom. On a recent visit to Rocklea Bunnings as part of the Trade Skills for Teens program, students built dog kennels, participated in a scavenger hunt, and donated supplies to the RSPCA, experiencing hands-on teamwork and the power of giving back.
Some of these work experience placements have also led to school-based apprenticeships, including career starts in engineering, mechanical and automotive trades. As the placements increase, school-based apprenticeship opportunities are also increasing. Donna further stated, “Our role is to give young people the tools to imagine and build a future. Work experience is often the moment they realise they are capable of much more than they believed.”
Families are noticing the change too, with one parent sharing that The BUSY School has been “an amazing solution to the ‘pure academia’ model that doesn’t suit every teen.”
As more employers come on board and partnerships grow, the Employment Pathways Program is set to continue its momentum, one meaningful placement at a time.
If you are a local business and would like to offer a student the chance to explore a future career path, please get in touch. One opportunity can make a lifetime of difference.
