Gateway Newsletter / JUL

Since 2019, Western Sydney Airport has partnered with the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN), a group of over 200 schools and 44 leading businesses, working together to address educational disadvantage through structured workplace-based or online mentoring. Volunteer mentors from these businesses including WSA, are supporting the development of students’ skills and mindsets, confidence and aspirations. Our staff have volunteered their time to mentor 84 students at schools in Western Sydney, including Miller High School, Rooty Hill High School, Leumeah High School, Kingswood High School and Blacktown High School. S u p p o r t i n g t h e c ommu n i t y mentoring youth

“ It’s been a great link for students to have the opportunity to liaise with mentors who have succeeded in the workplace and have already experienced the anxiety or apprehension students may have about making a transition into a career pathway.” School Year Advisor Recently, WSA’s Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey launched the next stage of the partnership, a program connecting principals and C-suite executives to share experiences and expertise, solve problems and explore leadership challenges. Principal of Plumpton High School Tim Lloyd has connected with Simon to advance the next phase adding “this partnership further enables the school to translate lessons from business into teaching and learning practice ensuring students have the necessary skills and capabilities to succeed in the business world”.

THESE MENTORING EXPERIENCES PROVIDED POSITIVE OUTCOMES INCLUDING: ➤ 67% increase in students agreeing - ”I am aware of the skills that employers are looking for.” ➤ 50% increase in students agreeing - “I am aware of a wide range of career options.”

6 » Gateway Community Update July 2021