At Riverina Community College, we know that the best kind of education does more than teach, it inspires, empowers, and opens doors.
That’s exactly what our recent partnership with the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program has aimed to do.
Thanks to the support of Skills NSW and the passion of local employers, trainers, and schools, students across the Riverina are getting a chance to explore real-world careers in a meaningful way, long before they finish school.
Turning interest into opportunity.
Over seven weeks, two tailored programs, Styled for Success and the Health Industry Pathways Program (HIPP), offered hands-on experience, new connections, and a fresh sense of possibility for students interested in fields like beauty, aged care, and disability support.
From day one, students stepped into the world of hair and beauty with curiosity and enthusiasm. They took part in practical workshops, learned directly from industry professionals, and even participated in mock interviews designed to build confidence and communication skills. A huge thanks to the GTES team for making that possible.
The highlight for many? A Q&A session with a panel of industry experts, where students asked thoughtful, insightful questions that showed just how engaged and eager they were to learn. It was clear some of these young people were picturing themselves in these careers, and now had the tools to take the next step.
In parallel, HIPP offered students a window into the world of health care, introducing pathways in aged care, disability support, and dementia care. From site visits to Wagga Wagga Community Aged Care and UNSW Rural Clinical Campus, to earning a First Aid certification, students experienced the richness and rewards of these important roles firsthand.
Thanks to BaptistCare and New Directions, students also had the chance to hear from industry leaders who shared their knowledge and career journeys, planting seeds for the future.
The Impact: Curiosity sparked, confidence gained
Facilitators and industry guests alike praised the high levels of engagement.
“The students were incredibly curious, and their thoughtful questions showed how invested they were,” one guest shared.
While most students are still finishing school, many now have a clear pathway in mind and growing confidence to pursue it, exploring SBATs, apprenticeships and mentoring opportunities with genuine excitement about what’s ahead.
A shared commitment to youth futures
This success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our local industry partners and schools. It’s a reminder of what we can achieve when education and industry come together with a shared purpose: helping young people thrive.
At RCC, we’re proud to be part of a program that puts students at the centre, giving them the confidence, tools, and support to take their next steps with purpose and pride.
