New employability program launched at Ourimbah
Students from diverse disciplines such as social science, IT, nursing, arts, business and environmental science converged on Monday afternoon for the launch of an exciting new interdisciplinary, employability program being piloted at the Ourimbah campus.
UON Central Coast and Study NSW are supporting 15 Ourimbah-based students from 11 different disciplines to participate in the Global Scope program over the winter break. Global Scope is an award-winning program run by Intersective for Study NSW to give international and domestic students work-ready skills, contacts and a collaborative learning experience.
Teams of students act as ‘management consultants’ to address a real business need while being mentored and supported through the program. Local government, business and community organisations provide business projects and act as the client, forging university contacts while gaining fresh perspectives on an existing business challenge.
Local project partners for the Ourimbah Campus program are Regional Development Australia Central Coast, NSW Police, and the Central Coast Local Health District. Representatives from those organisation attended the launch to meet the team of students selected for their projects, provide context and background to the project, and answer the student’s myriad of questions.
The room was absolutely buzzing with activity and the enthusiasm from all involved - students, UON and Intersective staff, and industry representatives.
Professor Darrell Evans, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), attended the launch and spoke to the students about the importance of reflecting on the employability skills gained through the process of participating in Global Scope and deconstructing the experience and skills for presenting in future employment opportunities.
The students eagerly told Professor Evans the reason’s they had chosen to participate which ranged from gaining professional skills, networking with local employers, being exposed to different perspectives from other disciplines, and engaging with peers.
The industry partners were very impressed by the enthusiasm from the students and all their questions. The reluctance of the students to leave their teams and the Boardroom (even at 6pm) was certainly a testament to the success of the launch and the program.
The students have six weeks to answer the project brief and prepare an outcome for their business partner, with the final presentations by students to industry sponsors occurring on Thursday 10 August on the Ourimbah Campus.
UON Central Coast appreciates the willingness of our community to come together to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects and supporting our students to become better prepared to enter the world career-ready.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.