Regional Industry Career Specialists
The Regional Industry Career Adviser (RICA) for the Sunshine Coast and North Brisbane is Emma Earl who is employed by Australian Industry Group (AI Group).  

AI Group is a not-for-profit association that was created to assist Australian industry to become more competitive on a domestic and international level. 

AI Group provides assistance to its members in the areas of training and skilling; employee relations and human resource management; OHS and workers’ compensation management; environment and energy management; international trade development and promotion; and business regulation. They also lobby government on their behalf on policy issues which impact on their business.

AI Group has a strong commitment to the Career Advice Australia initiative, holding 28 of the 57 Regional Industry Career Adviser (RICA) contracts and four of the National Industry Career Specialist (NICS) contracts.

In her role as RICA, Emma will work closely with SCsILS to maintain relationships with businesses, employers and industry bodies within the service region to:

Improve community awareness of the skills needs of local and regional businesses
Increase employer participation in LCP programs and activities such as Adopt A School projects and Structured Workplace Learning placements
Improve the quality and availability of regional industry career information, advice and resources, particularly in skills needs areas for employers and businesses.

If you would like to contact Emma or find out more about the RICA role and AI Group:

Emma Earl
Regional Industry Career Adviser – Sunshine Coast and North Brisbane
Mobile: 0448 852 742
Email: emma.earl@aigroup.asn.au
Web: www.caa.aigroup.asn.au

National Industry Career Specialists   
The National Industry Career Specialists represent 10 industry sectors and help you see the big picture by providing a national perspective on industry career information and skills needs.

National Industry Career Specialists form strong partnerships with key national bodies, such as Industry Skills Councils, industry groups, Group Training Australia and state and territory training authorities. They encourage these bodies to get involved in supporting young people in their transition through school and on to further study, training or work.

They also support the work of the Regional Industry Career Advisers by raising awareness of the Career Advice Australia programs, and how these activities can help employers fulfil future workforce needs.

The National Industry Career Specialists represent the following industry sectors.
Agri-Food
Community Services and Health
Construction and Property Services
Electro Communications and Energy Utilities
Government and Community Safety
Innovation and Business
Manufacturing
Resources and Infrastructure
Services
Transport and Logistics

Connections (formerly known as POEM)
Connections provides an education and personal development program for young people, aged 13 to 19 years, who have been disconnected from mainstream schooling for more than three months.
Connections will be available in up to 60 locations across Australia and delivers accredited education, life skills and employability skills training in supported community settings. At the same time, young people are provided with help and support to deal with personal issues and build self-esteem and resilience. The holistic and flexible approach taken by Connections provides young people with the foundations they need to have every chance of reaching their full potential.
The length of time spent in Connections varies for each young person and is based on their needs and the issues they face. When young people are ready to exit Connections, staff help them to re-engage with mainstream education such as school, TAFE or university, access further training, gain work or an Australian Apprenticeship, or participate in community activities.
Young people have the opportunity to develop partnerships and positive relationships with their families, communities, community service agencies, schools, government at all levels and business all of which underpin Connections services.

What is Youth Pathways?
Youth Pathways is designed to assist the most at risk young people make a successful transition through to completing Year 12 and ultimately to further education training and active participation in the community.

Who is eligible?
Young people aged 13-19 who are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and are:
1. At risk of leaving school before completing Year 12
 OR
2. Have left school up to 12 months previously without completing Year 12
 AND
Are at risk of not making a successful transition through school, further education, training or employment.

How can Youth Pathways help you?

• Receive personalised assistance directed to your needs
• Create an easy to follow Transition Plan allowing you to achieve your goals
• Encourage and highlight the benefits of continued studies at school
• Find the relevance of school and how subjects can help you reach your goals
• Advise on school based vocational options
• Encourage further education & continued learning
• Ongoing support & guidance