The YAHS Old Yanconians’ Foundation has engaged agricultural leader Adam Jenkins director of Rural People Co to undertake a short consultancy assessing regional business investment opportunities for the Riverina Careers Hub: Agricultural Pathways (formerly the Riverina Compendium), a key component of the Foundation’s Careers for the Future initiative.

The review follows concern that, despite strong community support and early success, the project has not yet achieved the level of business engagement originally envisaged.

At the centre of the Careers for the Future program is the Riverina Careers Hub, a practical, interactive website with an AI Bot (The Hub@Riverina) being developed to connecting secondary students with real career pathways across the agricultural supply chain.

It links students with work experience, training, tertiary options and industry opportunities, strengthening connections between Riverina/MIA schools and regional employers.

By showcasing local agribusinesses and their career options, the Hub encourages the next generation of rural leaders to explore, engage, and remain within the region.

Over a two-week period, Adam Jenkins (Rural People Co) will:

• Meet with 10-12 regional businesses to gauge their interest in supporting the Riverina Careers Hub.

• Assess potential for financial or in-kind partnerships.

• Promote mentoring, internships, and school-to-industry pathways.

• Provide clear recommendations on future business models and next steps.

“If business leaders step forward, the Riverina Career Hub has the potential to be a transformative tool linking students to real opportunities in regional industries,” said Don Plowman, foundation board advisor.

Adam Jenkins added: “This review is about listening to businesses. If there’s strong interest, we can build partnerships that deliver value for employers and inspire students. If the appetite is low, the Foundation can confidently move to alternative approaches”.

The Foundation invites Riverina businesses interested in supporting the Careers Hub or broader Careers for the Future initiative to contact the Foundation directly.

Contacts YAHS Old Yanconians’ Foundation Contact Don Plowman, board advisor Phone: 0401 122 179 Email: yanconiansfoundation@gmail.com