nodole:Year 10 students Ray Moore, Selina Kneale, Casey Hawksworth sign the no dole pledge at Fountain Gate Secondary College.
By Lia Bichel
Almost 200 students and guests wrote their names on a wall as a sign of their commitment to continue their education and find work once their studies finish.
The pledging ceremony is part of the Beacon Foundations No Dole program, adopted by Fountain Gate Secondary College this year.
Careers coordinator John Paterson said the program was formed in a bid to deter students from going on the dole and to establish a relationship between students and the business community.
“Many students mistakenly assume establishing business networks and finding work is an easy task,” Mr Paterson said.
“(Students) have a somewhat rosy view of the world and think they can just get an apprenticeship if they want one, but there is a lot of competition out there.”
To establish a link with the business community, students involved in the program participate in business breakfasts, mock interviews, and industry excursions.
Mr Paterson’s daughter and former Australian Idol contestant, Sophie Paterson, participated in a mock interview with Cr Wayne Smith at the pledging ceremony to demonstrate proper interview skills and discuss the work entailed to advance in her music career.
Mr Paterson said the ceremony was a success, and he hopes to continue the No Dole program next year.
