This year BREED has been involved in the government funded School Businesses Community Partnership Broker Program (PB).

But what exactly is partnership brokering?

PB programs have existed since BREED formed in 1994. However this new partnership initiative focuses on achieving set national goals, rather than specific projects.

It connects businesses, schools, parents and the community in an ongoing relationship to encourage students to complete the HSC, as well as increasing employment opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

BREED is the mediator that brings these partners together.

Managing director, Stephen Frost, said their job is to find out what each stakeholder requires, and broker a relationship that benefits all groups involved.

“We find the partners who have a need,” he said. “Then we sit down at a meeting, introduce them and talk about what they want out of this partnership.”

For example, he said that one recurring issue is helping students to see the relevance of their subjects to their chosen career paths.

“We would go out to the industry and say ‘these kids are doing maths but they don’t see the relevance of what they’re doing’. So we could get the teacher and the business person to develop course content that delivers the HSC curriculum in way that shows them the relevance of maths to construction, or hospitality, or a whole range of fields.”

Students also have access to resources such as mentoring from industry professionals, work experience, and the opportunity to be selected for employment at an early age.

The program benefits more than just the students. Businesses can recruit staff, develop their brand in the local community and train existing staff to supervise younger employees.

Partners can also become involved in the community, with students and businesses working together on projects such as renovating school gardens, giving something back to their local area.

Other PB activities have included events such as ‘Try A Trade’, where students have a chance to experience different trades first hand.

However Stephen Frost believes the possibilities are endless.

“It’s open to the thoughts and imagination of the people around the table,” he said.

“We go into schools and businesses and they say ‘what can you do for us?’. But I approach it differently; I ask ‘What’s your wish list? What would you like to get from this?’”

BREED has established a strategic Alliance with neighbouring partnership brokers so that benefits of partnerships established stretch from Parramatta to Katoomba.

For more information on the PB program and related activities, visit the BREED website: www.breedcp.com.au or phone: 02 9853 3247.