SIDE’s travelling careers incursion, The Mini Industry Roadshow, had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Western Australian wheatbelt region in Term 2, 2024 visiting Toodyay District High School and Dowerin District High School.
Boasting some of Western Australia’s finest examples of 19th-century heritage, Toodyay is nestled in in scenic countryside of the Avon Valley. The town's architecture is reminiscent of its early convict era and the legend of Moondyne Joe. In spring it is a popular tourist destination as it boasts a stunning wildflower display throughout farmyards and road verges.
Just over a two-hour drive east of Perth Dowerin is another popular stop for visitors to the Wheatbelt. Between July and October, you’ll be dazzled by the blooms of colourful wildflowers, open vistas and nature walks pioneering heritage buildings and museums. A popular event showcasing the very latest in agricultural machinery, technology and rural services is the Dowerin Field Day which highlights agriculture in the 21st century, technology and rural services.
Toodyay District High School
Dowerin District High School
It was a pleasure for SIDE’S Mini Roadshow Tour to visit these two amazing towns and the wonderful students who call these places home.
SIDE’S three amazing trainers were able to provide the students with hands-on skills training workshops with industry professionals in the fields of carpentry and cabinet making, rigging for mining and performance, and hospitality.
Cabinetry in Schools introduced the students to the fascinating artistry of woodwork while sneaking in some very important mathematics and history lessons that fascinated and inspired the students towards trades.
Bonnie Blewitt introduced students to extremely important soft skills necessary to work in a service environment. Students learnt valuable people skills, problem-solving, adaptability and types of organisation used in a café and restaurant environment. Coffee is a big part of the Australian lifestyle, so the students got a shorthand version of ‘everything coffee’, plus firsthand experience of ‘soft retail’ and the gentle approach to sales that focuses on consumer needs.
All Directions Performance and Rigging introduced the students to the dynamic high-energy industry of professional rigging, through engaging in rope skills, working at heights, WHS for rigging and teamwork safety when relying on others at heights. Aidan from All Directions Performance and Rigging gave the students such a fascinating look into one of the fastest-growing industries and helped students understand the widespread career opportunities it can lead to.
The Mini Roadshow was an outstanding success, leaving students inspired, informed and excited about their future career paths. Thanks, Toodyay DHS and Dowerin DHS for a terrific day we enjoyed visiting your schools.
Thank you again for the amazing day. Staff and students both loved it!
Can I just say, that the instructors you brought were incredible! It was clear that they are used to dealing with students and are entertainers. We have had our fair share of boring lecturers and it never had the same effect. Our students have been talking about this ever since you left and our current Y8 have been asking if they can participate in this next year.
Again a big thank you and we look forward to collaborating again soon.
Deputy Principal Toodyay DHS
