Beacon Foundation

Beacon Foundation works with schools, industry and communities to help young people build the confidence, skills and connections they need to prepare for the world of work.

There are many ways to support this work. You can make a one-off donation, organise a fundraiser, explore workplace giving, or consider leaving a gift in your will.

This EOFY, your tax-deductible donation can help us continue creating meaningful career education opportunities for young people across Australia.

Donate before 30 June and help equip more young people to navigate their working future.

https://beaconfoundation.org.au/help-fund-our-work

Fantastic to see Scottsdale High School Tasmania Year 9 and 10 students building confidence, practising self-advocacy and preparing for future workplace opportunities through Beacon’s HIP Polish program.

A big thank you to the students for their enthusiasm, and to the generous industry volunteers who shared their time, career stories and advice: Chris from Nutrien Ag Solutions - Scottsdale, Zoe from Dorset Employment Connect, Julie from Mas National and Ira from the University of Tasmania.

We also thank Roseanne and the students involved in catering for the delicious morning tea and lunch.

Learn more about Beacon's High Impact Programs (HIP): https://beaconfoundation.org.au/beacon-short-courses

Students from Yolla District School recently took part in a Beacon Work-Based Learning panel and speed careering program, connecting with local industry volunteers to learn more about different career pathways, workplaces and opportunities close to home.

Through the session, students had the chance to hear directly from people working across a range of industries, ask questions, and build a stronger understanding of the skills, experiences and pathways that can lead into future work.

A huge thank you to educators Penelope Smith and Rob Marks for supporting students to take part.

We also thank our generous volunteers and their organisations for contributing their time, knowledge and career stories: Andrew Jones from Tasmanian Building Group Apprenticeship Scheme / Tas Building Group, Rachel Gray from Dairy Australia - Tasmania, Gavin Coward from Crisp Bros. & Haywards, Rick Purton from Burnie Mazda, and Abbey Jones from Target Australia.

This activity was delivered as part of Beacon’s Work-Based Learning Services, supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

Learn more about Beacon's Work-Based Learning Services:
https://beaconfoundation.org.au/beacon-co-labs

Hobart College students recently stepped inside The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, for a Work-Based Learning Site Tour, exploring the many career pathways that exist within a hotel and setting.

From front-of-house and guest services to food and beverage, events, operations, housekeeping, management and behind-the-scenes support roles, students had the opportunity to see how a busy hotel runs and the many skills that help create a great guest experience.

A huge thank you to the team at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart for welcoming students and sharing their time, insights and career stories. Special thanks to Fiona Slee and Nicolas Wong for supporting the tour, and to educator Dan Conway from Hobart College.

This activity was delivered as part of Beacon’s Work-Based Learning Services, supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

A great read from ABC News on the future of rare and heritage , and the importance of helping young people see the full range of available to them.

Beacon’s Ebony Bridle contributed to the story, sharing why exposure matters, especially when many young people only know the jobs and industries they’ve already seen.

As Eb notes, career pathways are not always linear. With the right support, experiences and connections, young people can build the skills, confidence and self-awareness to take their next step, wherever that may lead.

Thanks to ABC News for shining a light on this important conversation.

Visit Beacon to learn more about our programs: https://beaconfoundation.org.au/what-we-do

As work modernises in Australia, some rare trades face decline A shortage of locksmiths in Australia persists despite government-funded incentives. The nation's changing labour landscape has meant some specialist trades are not being chosen by apprentices.

A big thank you to Lilydale District School for welcoming Beacon’s Prepare Program as part of the Local Futures Project in Launceston.

It was fantastic to support Year 7 and 8 students as they explored first impressions, transferable skills and what it takes to succeed in the workplace.

Thank you to the volunteers from Jackson Motor Company (JMC), City of Launceston Official and Strait Link for sharing their time, experience and real-world insights with students.

Learn more about the Local Futures Project: https://beaconfoundation.org.au/empower-our-youth-a-call-for-local-support/

Students from Launceston Big Picture School recently explored careers in and through a hands-on Beacon speed careering session.

Students rotated through volunteer stations, learning about soil testing, insect identification, the role of predators, the importance of in keeping Tasmania safe, and a live automated system built by Cromarty Automation engineers.

A huge thank you to educator Melanie Van Asperen for supporting the session.

We also thank our generous volunteers and partner organisations for sharing their time, knowledge and career pathways with students: Georgia Ryan and Oliver Bailey from Cromarty, Seona Findlay and Justin Cappadonna from Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), James Riggall and Troy Merritt from University of Tasmania and Bitlink, and Alex Matthews from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) Tasmania.

Learn more about Beacon's programs: https://beaconfoundation.org.au/what-we-do/

Thanks for sharing! Students from Ulverstone Secondary College recently took part in a Beacon WBLS Site Tour, exploring career pathways across Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Through visits with The Cove Tasmania and Novotel, students had the opportunity to step inside real workplaces, hear from industry professionals, and gain a better understanding of the skills, roles and pathways available within these growing industries.

A huge thank you to educator Belinda Gillard for supporting students to take part.

We also thank our generous volunteers and host organisations, Belinda Jardim from Accor Group, representing Novotel, and Kim Robinson from The Cove Tasmania, for sharing their time, knowledge and industry experience with students.

What a fantastic day of hands-on career learning for Cressy District High School students.

Through this Beacon industry tour, students had the chance to step into real workplaces, explore different industries and hear directly from people working across agriculture, construction and hospitality.

A huge thank you to our industry partners and volunteers for generously sharing your time, knowledge and career insights: Stephen Ives at University of Tasmania, Logan at Harris Daley, and Ruby and Courtney at Peppers Silo Hotel.

We’re proud to help create these real-world learning opportunities that support young people to build confidence, broaden their thinking and explore future pathways.