The AIEF Post-School Pathways Program
The AIEF Post–School Pathways Program supports the transition of well-educated Indigenous school leavers on AIEF Scholarships from leading schools through tertiary studies and into leading companies for meaningful careers.
Why are we doing it?
The definition of success for AIEF scholarship recipients is that Indigenous students complete Year 12 at an AIEF Partner School and have a successful transition into a sustainable career. The core competency of our partner schools is to provide high-quality educational outcomes to enable students to complete Year 12 to the best of their ability. AIEF recognises three key areas in which Indigenous students usually require additional support to make a successful transition from school to further study or employment. Generally, schools are not resourced or equipped to:
1. deliver programs that provide intensive support to ensure that Indigenous students completing Year 12 are “job ready” and otherwise prepared for the transition beyond school;
2. provide intensive and individual case management with a particular niche focus on Indigenous students transition from school and into further study and careers, including support with living arrangements after leaving boarding school; and
3. monitor and track their career and provide ongoing support after they have completed Year 12 and left school.
How are we doing it?
AIEF works with its stakeholders and Indigenous students on AIEF scholarships to address these areas through the implementation of a number of key activities and program elements.
The AIEF Mentor Program – aims to create a structured and trusting relationship with an experienced, professional individual who shares knowledge and offers instructive guidance and support about life and career options.
The AIEF Tutor Program – provides skilled and experienced volunteers to assist students with numeracy and literacy support and other practical homework and study-related tasks at school.
The AIEF Work Experience Program – provides opportunities for students to participate in formal and informal work experience opportunities made available through the AIEF network of schools, universities, corporate partners, government agencies and other organisations.
The AIEF Transition Support Program – works one-on-one with senior students to help define and gather information about their strengths and career interests and aspirations, and work intensely with them to help them achieve those aspirations in a sustainable way.
The AIEF Workshop Program – provides opportunities for students to participate in a variety of work-readiness and career preparation workshops which include topics such as resume writing and interview training.
The AIEF Skills Development Program – includes a wide range of activities to develop personal skills necessary for a successful transition and a successful career, such as self confidence, self awareness and resilience. This includes experiential learning camps, positive psychology workshops as well AIEF’s Food for Thought Boardroom Luncheons where a small group of students is invited to lunch with the CEO and senior staff of our Corporate Partners and other stakeholders.
What outcomes are we trying to achieve?
To ensure all Indigenous students on AIEF scholarships make a successful, smooth and sustainable transition from school to further study or work for meaningful and productive careers.
To achieve this, AIEF is focusing on four key outcomes:
Connectedness – the ability to create a network of people who can be called on for advice, ideas, support and introductions. This is also important to reduce any sense of isolation students may feel when they are away from their family community and moving from boarding school to their next life stage.
Work Readiness – ensuring students have the wide range of skills required to apply for jobs, interview and begin employment (full-time or casual) and live independently. Among others, these include: expectations and attitudes, recognising what employers are looking for, doing your best, being reliable, building trust and relationships with colleagues, accepting guidance and asking for help.
Career Planning – the ability and support to make informed and well-thought-out decisions about their future careers.
Skills Development – ensuring students have the personal skills required to make a successful transition from school to work or further study and to live independently. Among others, these include self confidence, self belief, resilience, emotional maturity and social skills.