Federation’s Aboriginal Education Centre to launch new career pathways program alongside student camp
Federation University’s Aboriginal Education Centre is launching two programs to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to connect with their culture, explore future career pathways and develop employment skills.
Koling wada-ngal karrung (Let’s walk together camp) aims to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from year 9 – 11 an enriching experience, allowing them to discover more about university life while at the same time connecting with other First Nations young people.
Students will have the chance to further explore their future career goals or learn more about the pathways they wish to follow, with camp costs covered by the University.
This builds on the success of previous camps over the past four years.
Shannen Mennen, Aboriginal Community and Industry Partnership Broker from the Aboriginal Education Centre, says that the Centre aimed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to become more familiar with TAFE and higher education.
“We want to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the confidence to embrace higher education, as they are often the first in their families to be learning more about it,” Ms Mennen said.
“And we know it can have a real impact. We even had a student who had gone through the camp experience and excitedly decided she wanted to follow a path in engineering.
“The camp is about creating the pathways for students to make their career dreams a reality.”
The brand-new Certificate II in Mumgu-Dhal Tyama-tiyt is an opportunity for those wishing to re-enter the workforce or go back to studying to enrich their skills and knowledge.
The pilot intake of this course is designed to strengthen participants’ connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages and art, equip them with career development skills and offer industry placement opportunities.
Ms Mennen says that the course will help individuals build soft skills that they can use going into the workforce.
“This is a program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been left behind in the education system and were unable to engage in work or study. It is designed to help them build confidence and use their new skills in the workforce or further study,” Ms Mennen said.
“The course also has a strong cultural aspect, helping individuals connect with their culture and heritage.”
Koling wada-ngal karrung (Let’s walk together camp) will run from 28 September – 3 October.
To register your interest, contact the Aboriginal Education Centre on 5327 9005 or aec@federation.edu.au
22605VIC Certificate II in Mumgu-Dhal Tyama-tiyt commences in March 2026.
More information on the course can be found here.