2025 | Term 1 | Week 8
SIDE's Mini Industry Roadshow (MiR) recently launched an exciting careers tour through the scenic Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. The Wheatbelt is a vital part of Western Australia’s economy and culture, balancing modern agriculture with conservation and heritage. The region boasts a diverse blend of towns, farmland, and natural landscapes. It was in this picturesque setting that the MiR had the pleasure of visiting Quairading District High School, Cunderdin District High School, and Toodyay District High School. SIDE trainers Nathan, Bonnie and Gianna provided the tools and knowledge needed to explore career pathways in plumbing, hospitality, and marine biology.
Hospitality: Bonnie engaged the students in a fun role-playing workshop by introducing the students to the enormous potential of the hospitality industry. The students engaged in the high-paced activities simulating a busy café environment. They learned how to use customer service skills in a professional manner and the importance of working within a team.
Marine Biology: Gianna, a specialist in sharks, whale sharks, and orcas, led an interactive discovery session exploring the fascinating finds along the shoreline. She highlighted the importance of keeping our waterways clean to support all life on Earth. Students delved into the growing issue of microplastics, discussing their environmental impact and how these tiny pollutants affect our daily lives. They also shared creative ideas on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle within their communities. The session was both educational and engaging, leaving students inspired to make a difference and an insight into the careers and future job roles available in and around the world’s ocean environments.
Plumbing: The hands-on workshop 'Basics of Plumbing' enthralled the students. They learned about essential plumbing tools, how to use them effectively, valuable tips and tricks they can use in their communities and gained insights on water conservation and other responsible practices. Finnian’s workshop teaching students to be independent, strong, and able to manage simple plumbing issues will be helpful for both now and in the future.
I wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for bringing the Mini Industrie Roadshow to Toodyay. It was an incredibly valuable experience for both our students and staff, and I wanted to share some specific feedback on the positive impact it had.
Many of our students face significant challenges, including behavioural issues and difficulties remaining engaged in the classroom. However, during the Roadshow, these same students were not only fully engaged but also genuinely enthusiastic about the sessions. Several of them approached me afterward to share how the experience had inspired them and given them a clear pathway for their future—a remarkable outcome that we do not often witness.
The facilitators were outstanding, using creative and effective methods to capture students' interest and maintain high levels of participation. The students were genuinely impressed and thoroughly enjoyed the interactive approach, which made the sessions both informative and enjoyable.
The impact of the Roadshow extended beyond the classroom. We even received phone calls from parents who were deeply appreciative of the opportunity provided to their children. Many mentioned that such programs were not available when they were younger and expressed how grateful they were that their children could benefit from this unique experience.
We truly wish we could have more of these sessions! The Mini Industrie Roadshow has made a lasting impression, and we hope it continues to reach and inspire more students in the future. Please know how much we appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into delivering such a fantastic program.
Thank you once again for all that you do—your efforts are truly making a difference.
Deputy Principal | Toodyay District High School
