Within the Illawarra Central group of schools, the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) supports students attending: Dapto High School (base school), Figtree High School, Five Islands Secondary College, Illawarra Sports High School,Kanahooka High School, and Warrawong High School

Let’s dive in and learn more about the dedicated team behind this group of schools.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Lauren: There are two stand-out answers here: the opportunity to champion the importance of meaningful career learning, and connecting students to experiences that could inform the trajectory of their future. I feel so fortunate to be able to work between those two spaces (strategy and action!) and with the amazing staff at the schools in the Illawarra Central group.

Megan: I most enjoy helping students connect with an opportunity to do something they love. Working within a group of schools that have been welcoming and supportive, albeit operating a little differently to each other, I have enjoyed the diversity of working on various projects to support key stakeholders and industry professionals and watching those projects develop.

Karen: I love being a part of this program and being able to support my school group with a variety of tasks. The dynamics of the role keeps me engaged and motivated. The blend of collaboration, problem solving, and continuous learning make my role fulfilling and exciting. I am constantly inspired by the commitment of the Head Teachers to make a positive impact on the school community.

Are there any opportunities or challenges that are unique to the schools and communities you are working in?

Lauren: An excellent opportunity offered to the schools we collaborate with is the ‘Look and Learn with MJ – Barbering Workshops’. This initiative is highly engaging for students as they acquire and showcase essential barbering skills, understand the significance of customer service, practice respect towards others, improve communication skills and acknowledge the importance of teamwork.

Megan: We are fortunate in the Illawarra being in close proximity to each other. We can work collaboratively across the difference clusters, promote opportunities together and combine initiatives working towards successful outcomes for our students.

Karen: At Illawarra Central we are very lucky to be able to work closely with the other regions in the Illawarra groups of schools within the EPP, to combine events and various opportunities for students to support their career outcomes.

What is your proudest achievement (or a memorable day) in the role so far?

Lauren: Hard to choose! Supporting the role of the Careers Adviser so they can do their (very important) thing feels pretty good.

Megan: I am most proud watching the growth and confidence of every SBAT as they work towards something they enjoy. Being a small part of that connection and watching the SBAT pathway expand with a growing number of vocational opportunities accessible for our students in the Illawarra is also pretty fabulous.

Karen: I am proud of the impact that my work has on the program and the sense of accomplishment that comes from making a positive difference. I was recently involved in the planning of an Industry Immersion experience for students interested in a career in Tourism, Hospitality and related industries, coordinating the participation of over 100 students and 14 teachers from 12 schools.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Lauren: At the moment it's walking...LOTS of walking (training for a trek in Nepal).

Megan: Is this a thing? Joking. Time with family and friends.

Karen: Spending time with my family and taking our Rottweiler for walks. We also have a herd of about 20 cattle that we breed so there is always the joy of welcoming and caring for new calves.

Where is your favourite place? This could be anywhere! A holiday spot, special restaurant or the patch in the backyard that gets just the right amount of sun!

Lauren: New Zealand - my home country, where many of my friends and family are, and just an overall really special place.

Megan: When we can, we try to get to Coolangatta each year with the family. It is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the sun on your face.

Karen: Home is where the heart is. I love being at home, in the quiet, away from all the hustle and bustle. The cows are right outside, what else could be better than that.

For our binge watchers, or book readers... any recommendations of TV shows, movies or books?

Lauren: Book: Wendy McCarthy - a memoir: "Don't Be Too Polite, Girls". Educator, activist, agent of change - the life and career of one of Australia's most influential women.

Megan: Movie/Netflix. Anything Guy Ritchie or Quentin Tarantino would be up there with my faves.

Karen: I love a good Netflix series: The Rookie, Ozarks, Behind her Eyes, You, Outlander.