West Wyalong, NSW
LASTEST NEWS
FIRST NATIONS CAREER IMMERSION DAY - 1st September
VERTO (Australia) proudly hosted the inaugural First Nations Career Immersion Day at the Orange Ex-Services Club — an event aimed at inspiring and empowering Indigenous students from Canobolas Rural Technology High School and Orange High School.
Delivered through VERTO’s Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program, the full-day experience welcomed 80 students into a culturally grounded and career-focused environment. The event was designed to strengthen connections between education, community, and employment, and to showcase meaningful career pathways in a respectful and engaging way.
Event Highlights:
🤝 Breakout sessions facilitated direct engagement with local employers and training providers.
💬 Workshops focused on health, wellbeing, and employment readiness.
🌐 Networking opportunities encouraged students to build connections and explore future pathways.
Featured Presentations:
📸 Herb Smith – Dreamtime Tucker
Herb shared the story behind his business, Dreamtime Tucker, offering students a glimpse into Indigenous entrepreneurship and the power of cultural identity in business.
📸 TAFE NSW – Kane Smith & Bec Hardy
This presentation highlighted vocational education pathways, with Kane and Bec showcasing the opportunities available through TAFE NSW and encouraging students to explore hands-on learning.
This pilot initiative was a collaborative success, with support from Workforce Australia Local Jobs - Central West.
Lithgow’s Adaptive Skills Hub Launch
Workforce Australia Local Jobs Central West had the pleasure of attending the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub opening in Lithgow. This the first step in Lithgow's Emerging Economy Plan (LEEP) that is supported by a grant from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations' Local Jobs National Priority Fund.
It was great to hear from the Honourable Senator Deborah O'Neill about the STEAM education initiatives for primary and secondary students in the area. Along with specialised training programs aimed at preparing the local community with the skills needed for future careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
The Central West Adaptive Skills Hub on Mort Street in Lithgow is a modern learning space with a lab and technical 'making space.' It offers specialised courses for school students and micro-credentialing programs for workers in the Lithgow area. Find out more here Adaptive Skills Hub | LEEP
LICENSE LAUNCHPAD
We are excited to share an incredible opportunity with you! Local Jobs Central West has funded through the Local Initiatives Fund the Licence Launchpad Initiative in Orange at OCTEC bringing the award-winning MyDriveSchool virtual reality (VR) technology to our communities. This innovative program is designed to support learner drivers and individuals looking to regain their licence by offering a unique and effective way to learn road rules through VR simulations.
MyDriveSchool is an online road safety educational tool that provides standardised, interactive road training solutions. With a realistic cockpit, steering wheel, and pedals, the VR experience creates an engaging, hands-on approach to mastering the rules of the road.
Who can benefit?
This initiative is especially valuable for those who experience anxiety while learning to drive or need a refresher after a period without a licence or people who are new to driving.
There will be 4 1-hour sessions available per day.
