Nestle Broadford has recognised Mitchell Shire students who were part of Project Ready for their participation in a recent design thinking challenge as part of their 2021 work readiness qualification.
Project Ready is a hands-on work readiness and personal development program developed by Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network, LLEN, and incorporates a certificate two in active volunteering.
Students from Broadford Secondary College, Wallan Secondary College and Seymour College completed Project Ready as a remote learning structured workplace learning placement.
Last year, students researched and proposed environmentally sustainable packaging solutions to leaders from Nestle Broadford to assist in achieving their vision of a waste-free future.
Nestle Broadford factory manager Axel Castillon said it was great to work alongside students who were committed to managing waste.
“It’s been wonderful to see how many students share our passion to create a waste-free future,” he said.
“We’re committed to making improvements to our packaging and ensuring 100 per cent of it is recyclable or reusable by 2025. It’s encouraging to see local youth with such innovative ideas as we work towards that goal and beyond.”
Central Ranges LLEN engagement director Lena Way said a productive partnership with Nestle Broadford had led to the opportunity and learning outcome for students.
“Our partnership with Nestle Broadford has spanned seven years. The packaging innovation challenge that Project Ready students worked on last year is another example of how shared value can be achieved when businesses and the not-for-profit sector work together for the common good,” she said.
“Students had the opportunity to undertake research, work in a team and pitch their ideas to the management of one of the biggest employers in the Central Ranges, all while operating under remote learning conditions.
“The employability skills students gained, and the positive interactions they experienced with a supportive employer will go a long way to progressing their career pathways.”
To find out more about Project Ready, visit projectready.vic.edu.au.
