Building Pathways Together: Skills on Country Forum Inspires Connection and Action

On 18 March 2026, a diverse group of leaders, educators, industry representatives and community voices came together at Mineral Resources Park for the inaugural Skills on Country Network Forum.

Grounded in the powerful theme of strengthening Indigenous connection to careers, the forum marked an important step in supporting First Nations young people as they move towards graduation and transition into meaningful work and training pathways.

Held in association with the Waalitj Foundation, the forum created a culturally safe and welcoming space where participants could share knowledge, perspectives and lived experience. Through open yarning and deep listening, the day focused on how stronger connections to culture, community and Country can shape more meaningful and accessible career journeys.

Expertly facilitated by Kendal Drew, the conversations were guided with care and intention. Reflecting on the day, Kendal spoke about the value of “holding space with and for each other,” reinforcing how connection, trust and shared understanding are essential in building pathways that truly work for First Nations young people.

A broad and engaged mix of stakeholders attended, including in addition to the Waalitj Foundation, First Nations organisations, Polly Farmer Foundation, Murlpirrmarra Connection, Clontarf Foundation, training councils, education practitioners and providers, VET Coordinators, industry representatives, and government partners. This strong representation highlighted a shared commitment to working together and recognising that career pathways must be shaped through collaboration, respect and genuine partnership.

Throughout the forum, a clear message emerged: career pathways are not just about jobs, but about identity, belonging and connection. Participants emphasised that systems must be built around people, with First Nations voices at the centre. Supporting cultural safety and connection to Country was seen as fundamental to enabling young people to see themselves in future careers and pursue pathways with confidence.

There was strong discussion around starting early and nurturing aspiration from a young age. Participants highlighted the importance of introducing career awareness in primary school and creating flexible, human-centred education approaches that reflect the diverse strengths, interests and cultural contexts of students. Building identity and recognising individual strengths were seen as key to supporting long-term success.

A recurring theme was the need to increase exposure to opportunities. Many noted that young people are often unaware of the breadth of career options available or how to access them. Expanding career tasters, industry engagement and real-world experiences was identified as a practical way to open new possibilities and strengthen career connections.

Strengthening the link between schools and workplaces was also a priority. Participants explored ways to create smoother transitions through work placements, school-based training, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and stronger employer engagement. These connections are vital in helping young people build confidence, gain experience and feel supported as they step into the workforce.

Regional access and equity were important considerations, with many highlighting the need for more local training opportunities and flexible learning options in regional and remote communities. Place-based approaches that reflect community strengths and aspirations were recognised as essential across Western Australia.

At the heart of the forum was the importance of relationships. Building trust, fostering collaboration and creating space for ongoing conversation were seen a

s critical to sustaining momentum and driving meaningful change.

FFTITC extends sincere thanks to everyone who attended and generously shared their experiences and perspectives. It is hoped that participants left with new connections, fresh ideas and a stronger sense of what is possible when working together.

Looking ahead, there is a shared aspiration that by the end of 2026, this collective effort will lead to meaningful progress. Together, this growing network is strengthening connections to careers and creating clearer, more accessible pathways for First Nations young people to explore and pursue the futures they choose.

FFTITC also welcomes ongoing input from stakeholders on future forums and innovative approaches that continue to strengthen Indigenous connections to careers. It is hoped that these forums will continue to bring people together, fostering stronger connections between career practitioners, organisations and communities, and supporting the development of partnerships that assist First Nations young people as they transition from school into training and employment.

Following further consultation and evaluation of feedback, FFTITC will look Following further consultation and evaluation of feedback, FFTITC will look to coordinate a second Skills on Country Network Forum in July 2026.

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Summarised Key Themes

Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to offer their input as individuals, as well as feedback from a group activity. These have been roughly collated into key themes.

1. Putting People and Culture First

There was strong agreement on the need to centre systems around people, with a focus on listening to First Nations voices, strengthening cultural safety, and supporting connection to Country, community, and identity.

2. Strengthening Relationships and Partnerships

Building meaningful relationships between industry, education, and community is critical. This includes two-way engagement, mentoring opportunities, and greater industry involvement in showcasing career pathways.

3. Rethinking Education and Pathways

Participants highlighted the importance of flexible, human-centred education systems that adapt to students’ needs. Early intervention (from primary school), diverse learning pathways, and culturally responsive approaches were seen as essential.

4. Increasing Career Awareness and Exposure

A key challenge identified is that students often don’t know what opportunities exist. Expanding career tasters, try-a-trade programs, and industry engagement—particularly in Years 9–12—was strongly supported.

5. Strengthening School–Workplace Connections

There is a need to better integrate education and employment through work placements and school-based training. Supporting employers with awareness, training, and incentives will help create stronger outcomes for both students and industry.

6. Addressing Regional Access and Equity

Access to training remains a significant issue in regional and remote areas. Suggested solutions included more local training opportunities, flexible learning hubs, and increased exposure to career pathways within communities.

7. Supporting Student Development

Participants emphasised building students’ confidence, identity, and foundational skills (including literacy, numeracy, and soft skills), while also recognising diverse learning needs and cultural contexts.

8. Improving System Coordination

Opportunities exist to reduce barriers and improve alignment across education, training, and industry systems, including clearer pathways and stronger collaboration between stakeholders.

For further information, contact our CEO, Tony Palladino at Tony@fftitc.com.au

Growing Skills for Industry

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