The third annual Zonta International boys’ breakfast, sponsored by NE Tracks LLEN, was open to schools from across the north-east — including Benalla P-12 College and FCJ College.
Following the same model as the popular girls’ breakfast, scheduled to coincide with International Women’s Day, the event linked students with mentors working in various occupations.
The boys also got to hear from three guest speakers, Tim Oliver from NE Tracks LLEN, paramedic Alex Vella and Leon Carter, who works in agriculture.
All three spoke of the journeys that had led them to their chosen career, with an emphasis on the importance of networking, making connections and finding the path that is right — which might not be the first thing they try.
Mr Oliver spoke to the students about the current skills shortage, and how they could take advantage of it.
“There’s a skill shortage. There’s not a shortage of unskilled workers,” he said.
“If you need to leave school early because you just can’t stick it, or you have to, whatever the circumstances, remember, you’ll need to backfill on the education front.
“So don’t ever think you’re walking away. A lot of students say, no, I want to leave school, I want to get an apprenticeship.
“Well, guess what? You’re signing up for more learning. But the good thing about that is that you’re learning about the stuff you want to learn about.
“So have a think about where the skill shortages are and if there’s anything in those areas that interests you.
“Make a point of talking to the various mentors here today and leave them with an impression about you and why you stand out from everybody else.
“And I wish you all the very best and good luck with that first interview.”
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