30 May 2024
Years 11 and 12 students from the Clontarf Foundation were recently given a unique insight into career opportunities in the water industry.
Clontarf students at Perth dams.
The 17 students, from multiple Clontarf campuses across WA, were given a close-up look at how drinking water was sourced, treated and protected at two of Perth’s important dams, Churchman Brook and Canning.
The excursion marked the latest chapter in the partnership between the Water Corporation and the Clontarf Foundation since 2008.
39 Clontarf students have joined the Water Corporation, through apprenticeship, traineeship, and graduate opportunities.
Since then, 39 Clontarf students have joined the Water Corporation, through apprenticeship, traineeship, and graduate opportunities.
Hector O’Loughlin, Team Leader of Aboriginal Employment and Development at Water Corporation, spoke of the importance of this partnership.
Clontarf students and Water Corporation staff.
“Connection to Country is important to all Aboriginal people, and by partnering with Clontarf Foundation, we’re able to support a strong cultural connection among our Aboriginal employees,” he said.
“We have a really strong relationship with Clontarf Academy that’s been in place now for some 16 years,” Mr O’Loughlin said.
“Water is something that’s fundamental to everyday life. I think the students understand that, and that’s why they’re generally very interested and engaged when we host these sorts of events.”
Clontarf Foundation provides mentoring opportunities to improve education, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.