Orygen, with support from RACV, has launched an innovative online platform to support young people attending Berry Street School achieve their education and career goals.
Developed by Orygen, the Youth Online Training and Employment System (YOTES) helps students work towards their career goals, offers personalised career advice, and connects students with peer mentors and other students in a safe online environment.
Berry Street School is a specialist independent secondary school that supports approximately 200 students from years seven to 12, with four campuses across Victoria. With RACV’s support, the YOTES In Schools program will bolster Berry Street School’s existing programs and provide another layer of support for students when they need it.
Navigating work, study and future careers is becoming increasingly complex. YOTES utilises innovative technology to support students and teachers in alternative education settings to explore and plan out these difficult transitions.
Orygen’s Associate Director of Employment and Education Partnerships, Gina Chinnery, said Orygen is excited to trial YOTES with Berry Street Schools.
“We know quality career advice is critical for young people navigating the transition to further education and training,” she said.
Image: The Orygen, Berry Street School and RACV teams at the launch of YOTES in Schools.
Louise Steinfort, RACV General Manager, Social Impact and Corporate Communications, said RACV is pleased to be supporting Orygen to continue capacity building that will help create long-term change for young people.
“The YOTES in Schools program is one we hope can be viable over the long term, and we are pleased it can be deployed at Berry Street School’s Narre Warren, Morwell, Shepparton and Ballarat campuses,” Ms Steinfort said.
Principal of Berry Street School, Rebecca Robinson, said career education is important for all young people but, for the Berry Street School student cohort, the work it does within the school community is critical to prepare their young people to make well-informed career decisions.
“Our students have faced systemic educational inequity. By attending our unique setting, and having access to programs such as YOTES, we are prioritising their futures,” Ms Robinson said.