Through the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s Regional New Industries Fund, WorklinkWA (together with BreakthruWA and the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry), is running an innovation program during Term 2 for students of the WA College of Agriculture-Denmark.

The Program was launched today with a visit from WorklinkWA Albany, A/CEO, Ben Killey who brought with him some guest entrepreneurs:

Mark Shenton  – Manager Business Great Southern

Tom and Hardy Croucher – podcasters – Zestylifehacks

Megan Weight – Director – Ideation Co and Click Collective

Katie Arbuckle – Project Officer, WorklinkWA

Who all gave an overview of their personal journey.

The program which is linked to curricula such as design and technology, humanities and social sciences aims to bring experts into the classroom to teach design thinking practices and processes, structure projects toward real market opportunities and practice and perform entrepreneurship, including research and developing business concepts, among many other skills.

The opportunity to apply for development seed funding of $1 000 to pitch their idea, plus the opportunity to pitch for another 2 x $5 000 and then another               1 x $10 000 in seed funding to use to further develop their business concepts, will be highly prized.

The program involves students forming teams, developing their ideas in class, concluding in Term 2 with the July pitch event seeking feedback and seed funding.

“The purpose of the program is to inspire local students and develop a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. It underpins developing the region’s economy, exports and local jobs and inspires students to be entrepreneurial and see and understand business career pathways in the region”, Said Ben Killey.

Contact: Amanda Gaunt, Deputy, WACOA-Denmark 9848 0200 Or Principal, Steve Swallow 9848 0200.

L-R Hamish Bowie (Yr 12), Mark Shenton (Manager Business Great Southern), Megan Weight (Director Ideation Co & Click Collective), Hardy & Tom Croucher (Podcasters  Zestylifehacks) Ben Killey (A/CEO Worklink Albany), Katie Arbuckle, (Project Officer WorklinkWA), Teisha Keam and Tomas O’Farrell (Yr 12)

WAGIN WINNER

WA College of Agriculture “Inlet Views” Reality R9 Junior Bull Placed first in his class and won the Euro Breed Junior Champion Bull.

Then competing in the Multi-Breed against British and Miniature breeds also was placed first as Multi-Breed Junior Champion Bull.