Last month, Shoalhaven High School hosted its Aboriginal Student Yarn Up at the Shoalhaven Campus of the University of Wollongong, providing a valuable opportunity for students to connect with industry leaders and explore future career pathways. The event brought together 40 students from Years 9-12 and a wide range of local industry representatives, all committed to helping close the gap and create sustainable opportunities for Indigenous youth.
One of the highlights of the event for us was the participation of Nathanial Hampton-Olive, Site Foreman at BY Group, who shared his career experiences in construction with the students. Nathanial’s presence at the Yarn Up was a reminder of the importance of seeing Indigenous role models in industries where representation is still growing.
“It’s important for young Indigenous people to see what’s possible and know that there’s a place for them in all industries, including construction. It's great to be part of events like this, where we can share our experiences and show that no dream is too big."
– Nathanial Hampton-Olive, Site Foreman, BY Group
(Left) Pictured above are Nathanial Hampton-Olive of BY Group holding a Certificate of Appreciation presented by Margaret Simoes, Senior Leader Community Engagement at Shoalhaven High School . (Right) The certificate of appreciation from Shoalhaven High School.
The Yarn Up event facilitated important conversations about career pathways, offering students the chance to engage directly with professionals from a variety of sectors, including construction, health, education and government. It was a culturally grounded learning experience, providing insight into the diverse career options available to them while staying connected to their community.
Supporting young Indigenous talent is vital in closing the gap, and events like the Yarn Up play a key role in fostering future leaders. BY Group is proud to contribute to this cause through initiatives like our cadetship program and sponsorships, which aim to create pathways into the construction industry for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. However, the real impact lies in the students themselves—these young people are the future leaders of their communities and industries.
The Yarn Up event was a testament to the strength, determination and potential of young Indigenous Australians. We are proud to have been part of an initiative that helps these students explore and realise their career ambitions, with the support of industry representatives who are committed to empowering the next generation.
As we continue to work towards closing the gap, initiatives like the Yarn Up are crucial in ensuring Indigenous youth have the opportunities they deserve to succeed and thrive in their careers. We would like to thank Shoalhaven High School again for having us.
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