Pioneering online program launches in schools to help students reach their career goals

Orygen, with support from RACV, has today 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.

“YOTES aims to increase access to career education and guidance to more students. We know quality career advice is critical for young people navigating the transition to further education and training,” she said.

Louise Steinfort, RACV General Manager Social Impact and Corporate Communications, said RACV is pleased to be supporting Orygen to give young people the opportunity to understand career pathways available to them, in a safe environment.

“The YOTES in Schools program supports equity in education, and one we hope can be viable over the long term. 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.