IN a period of not much good news, the chief executive officer of the Committee for Greater Shepparton, Sam Birrell, has something to shout about.
Tasked with pushing the advantages of Greater Shepparton, Sam has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship, specifically ‘To observe world’s best practice in co-operation between industry and secondary education – US, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Finland, UK.’
“In Greater Shepparton an avoidable dichotomy exists. We have a high youth unemployment rate. However, the economy is growing strongly and businesses report they cannot get skilled and professional labour in order to grow,” Mr Birrell said.
“There has been a disconnect between the business community and the secondary education system. I think things are improving and a lot of effort is being put into this issue by some very committed people.
“However, I want to see where best practice exists in the world, and how they do it. Finland and Sweden are renowned for their education systems. I am keen to see how this integrates with industry.
“Germany’s manufacturing sector is very strong and is in constant renewal with young, motivated people. Canada and the US have businesses actively involved in schools to try to assist with pathways for young people into rewarding careers, often through problem solving for real life situations.
“The idea is we see what is global best practice and implement it in Greater Shepparton, and Australia more generally.”
A Churchill Fellowship is a remarkable opportunity to travel overseas for a minimum of four and a maximum of about eight weeks to investigate a topic that you are passionate about and have experience in. Mr Birrell is one of 112 Australians who have received a Churchill Fellowship this year.
