Growing our own

Uni Hub Spencer Gulf’s Career Partnership initiative addresses persistently low levels of aspiration and engagement with tertiary education in North and Western South Australia. Research, census data, and consultations with schools and employers revealed that this issue is negatively impacting workforce capacity and community development, with challenges expected to escalate in coming years. Key barriers include a lack of locally relevant career advice, limited awareness of available careers in the region, and increasingly complex pathways between school, vocational education, university, and work. Outreach efforts by city-based universities were often irrelevant and uncoordinated, further compounding the problem. In response, Uni Hub developed the ‘Grow our Own’ Partnerships Plan to deliver targeted initiatives addressing these barriers. Annual career expos in regional centres will showcase career opportunities and study pathways, with a focus on workforce shortages and locally available careers. Outreach programs to small communities will promote university study and available support through Regional University Centres. Industry immersion and taster programs will provide hands-on experience in professional and technical careers, particularly in heavy industry and the health care sectors. Collaboration with secondary schools, employers, regional agencies, industry associations, and tertiary providers is central to the plan’s success. By leveraging partnerships and resources, Uni Hub aims to address the region’s workforce needs and build local capacity through the common goal of ‘growing our own’ skilled workforce.