Pitches seek to solve problems

FEDERATION TAFE students recently participated in a youth summit, exploring issues that broadly affect young people.

Discussing topics from diversity, to buying a house, to mental health, the 45 students were encouraged to develop changemaking, problem-solving concepts that they pitched to organisations and people in the Ballarat community with influence.

One group’s idea for an inclusive LGBTQIA+ festival has already piqued the interest of a local group.

Federation University TAFE CEO and pro vice-chancellor vocational education and training Liam Sloan said the participants are set to be “thought leaders.”

“The next generation… need platforms to have a voice, share their opinions and influence real change. That’s what we are hoping to do through the youth summit,” he said.

“Federation TAFE programs like this are a fantastic way for young people to improve their employment opportunities through participation in learning that suits the individual.”

The summit was structured to boost students’ design thinking skills; identifying problems, barriers, and potential solutions.

Summit participants were supported by an advisory group of professionals from the Department of Families and Housing, Department of Health, the City of Ballarat, and The Y Ballarat.