Lighthouse Program

What is the Lighthouse Project?

The Lighthouse Project is a workplace mentoring program established in the Parramatta Diocese in 2001 and since then has matched over 180 students with volunteer mentors. Students come from 17 schools across western Sydney.

It provides students in Years 9 or 10 with the opportunity to develop key skills and experience in a learning environment outside school.

How does it work?

With the guidance of a workplace mentor, the students become involved in the day-to-day running of a business and gain skills, confidence and a new enthusiasm for learning.

Students spend one day per week on the job with their mentor. Workplaces vary, and in the past, students have worked with a plumber, reflexologist and in a bank, pet shop, pre-school and the local council. The students gain practical experience and take responsibility for a number of important tasks just as if they were an employee of the business.

How does the project affect students’ schooling?

While on the job, each student must complete a Workplace Learning Log. This log records the student’s progress and learning and can be used by teachers for assessment purposes. Through the log, students see the relevance of what is being taught at school – that the learning does indeed have a real-world application.

In addition to their workplace training, the Lighthouse students take part in an introduction to TAFE which includes a tour of the TAFE campus, learning about different study options and access to individual career counselling.

What about the mentors?

The project is based on studies of ‘best practice’. Mentoring is widely recognised as a highly effective practice as it provides one-on-one support and motivation from an adult who is not a family member or school teacher. The mentors become respected role models for the Lighthouse students and help instil a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for learning and a desire to succeed.

All mentors undertake an 18-hour TAFE course to gain accreditation in the Mentoring in the Community unit. They are supported throughout the program by workplace trainers who are in weekly contact and visit fortnightly to help them provide the best possible learning experience for their students.

Lighthouse mentor, Barry Churchland from the Carpentry and Joinery Division, Nirimba Education Precinct, said he was pleased he took part in the project. “When I was asked to take part in the Lighthouse project I was curious. What could I possibly contribute to a program involving Year 9 and 10 students?

I soon learned that the benefits flowed both ways. My student gained a little of the knowledge I have accumulated over the years and I soon learned that it does not matter what a person’s age or background, they probably know something you don’t and you too can learn from them. My student, Arthur, lightened my Tuesdays.”

On completion of the project…

Students who have completed the Lighthouse Project report a greater confidence in themselves and their ability to achieve. Many have a new sense of direction for their future and are motivated to continue their education to reach a career goal. They have an appreciation of hard work and responsibility, as well as evidence they can make a real and valuable contribution to the workplace.

The schools participating in the Lighthouse Project are:

• Bede Polding College, Windsor South
• Caroline Chisolm College, Glenmore Park