This is one of our busiest times of the year for core program delivery – while behind the scenes, things continue to hum as we develop and refresh content, explore new initiatives and pilot programs.

Our InRoads program has continued to gather momentum. Generously supported by J.P. Morgan since 2014, InRoads delivers employability and IT skills training and mentoring to students at risk of unemployment. We’re delighted that a recent collaboration with TalentRISE has enabled us to scale and pilot this program, building on its success with the added dimension of employment and traineeship opportunities. TalentRISE – a not for profit IT and technology recruitment specialist – will place 140 InRoads students in permanent, entry-level jobs and traineeships in the technology and digital sector by 2019, taking the program to a new level.

Meanwhile, one of our newest programs, Entrepreneurs Unearthed, also continues to take form. Last week, 23 students from our partner schools took part in an Entrepreneurs Unearthed Boot Camp held at Ernst & Young and Commonwealth Bank’s offices in Melbourne. Over two days, students heard from inspiring guest entrepreneurs while also working with mentors to develop their innovative ideas and build their entrepreneurial skills. Selected students from the Boot Camp will move to the next phase of the program and pitch their idea to a panel of experts in September.

In member company news, we’re thrilled to welcome both Accenture and Lendlease to the ABCN network. While Lendlease has previously been involved with ABCN through the Business Class program, we are looking forward to working together more directly with them as members.

We are also proud to be partnering with Accenture to deliver their Skills 2 Succeed Academy – an online learning program aimed at building crucial skills and confidence of students in Years 9 – 12 to prepare them for employment. All of our partner schools will have access to this valuable learning tool.

We’ll publish more updates on our new projects as they continue through their development phase. Watch this space.