RDA Riverina’s Grow Our Own program delivers real workforce outcomes by connecting young people to local careers and employers to future talent.

Key Impacts include:

• Connected students and parents to clear local career pathways
• Strengthened school–industry–government partnerships
• Converted engagement into work experience, apprenticeships and School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeships (SBAT)
• Achieved national recognition through Science Week and Questacon.

From Awareness to Employment

Parents + Pathways (Country Universities Centre (CUC) Griffith): Parents were equipped with practical information on local study, work and scholarships, supported by real examples of students working and studying locally. The live ‘Grow Our Own’ panel member ignites the available pathway conversations.

Student Introductions: Direct links from schools to local employers resulted in welding work experience and active electrical apprenticeship pathways. Grow Our Own industry membership makes this possible.

New SBAT Created: Following a Grow Our Own‑led industry tour, advocacy with Griffith City Council led to the creation of a new SBAT role — now filled by a local student.

National Profile, Local Benefit

Grow Our Own secured a $5,000 grant from the Australian Government Science Week to deliver STEM‑focused industry tours. The initiative attracted Questacon’s national promotion, spotlighting Riverina employers and regional career pathways.

Why It Matters

Grow Our Own turns local opportunity into local jobs — keeping young people living, learning and working in the Riverina.

www.growourown.org.au