Upcoming Opportunities

Explore Working in Finishing Trades – 19th & 20th May

Delivered in partnership with Build Skills Centre, this program focuses on plastering, painting, bricklaying and tiling. Students will engage in hands-on activities and site visits, gaining insight into apprenticeships and specialised finishing roles across the construction sector.

Explore Working in Welding – 28th & 29th May

In partnership with BGT, this program offers students practical experience in welding and metal fabrication. Students will participate in workshop-based learning and industry visits, exploring career pathways in fabrication, manufacturing and construction.

Federation University Health Industry Day – 21st July (now taking bookings)

Bookings are now open for the Federation University Health Industry Day on 21 July 2026. This event provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of health careers through interactive sessions, industry presentations, and access to university training facilities. Speak to your Careers Advisor for further information.

Places are filling quickly. Students can apply to participate in these Explore Working in Work Experience program by completing an Expressions of Interest form at https://www.highlandsllen.org/work-experience-and-swl/

Application information 2026

THE PROGRAM

PART 1 Residential Course at Longerenong College Horsham, Mon 21 - Wed 23 September 2026.

PART 2 Presentation by each participant to their sponsoring Rotary Club after Part 1, to be completed by the end of November 2026

APPLICATIONS - APPLY EARLY TO ENSURE A PLACE. Early bird closes 31 July. Final Closing date August 31 unless all places are filled prior.

Students are admitted to the program on assessment of completed application, date completed application is received and number of places available. (Note that the Defying the Drift Committee reserves the right to limit the number of applicants per school if the program is oversubscribed.)

To speak with a Rotary member before lodging an application, email defyingthedrift@rotary9780.org with your contact details and a Rotary member will respond. Applicants will be notified as soon as practical whether or not their application has been successful.

Application is via online forms – separate forms need to be completed by Student applicants, Parent/Guardian, School and sponsoring Rotary club. Each person needs to record the student’s name & the email address that the student uses at school, so make sure each respondent gives the same information, or the forms won’t link up!

Step 1 - Contact your local Rotary Club to arrange sponsorship.

Sponsorship will include assistance with the course fee and a meeting date at which each student can make their presentation. (See Step 4 below)

Ask the Rotary Club representative to record their information on the Rotary Club online form.

Step 2 - Confirm School Details ask your Careers Teacher, Year Level Coordinator or other Teacher to complete their details and a brief statement in support of your application on the School Contact online form

Step 3 - Provide Family Details and Consent It is important to provide all of the following information:

Students complete Student Application online form

Parents/Guardians complete Parent/Guardian online form – including medical information and consents to attend. Please go to https://www.rotary9780.org/sitepage/defying-the-drift

(If student is 18 yrs old, they may complete both of these forms themselves)

Step 4 – Rotary club completes payment

Course Fee $350 per student. Early Bird $250 per student paid by July 31

The cost to participate in Defying the Drift is subsidised by Sponsors and Longerenong College.

A contribution towards these costs of $350 is requested from each participant to assist with accommodation and all meals for the three-day residential course at Longerenong College, tuition fees, farm visits, all course notes and a Defying the Drift shirt. It is recommended that students pay $100 and the sponsoring Rotary Club contribute $250, however, Clubs may elect to pay a different proportion of the fee.

Sponsor Clubs are requested to remit the full fee of $350 per student (or $250 Early Bird by 31 July) by Direct Credit to:

Rotary Club of Beaufort Inc. Project Account (BBL)

BSB no: 633 000 Account no: 167 195 502

Reference: Name and Sponsoring Rotary Club

Students Explore the Automotive Trade

Last week, a small group of Year 10 and 11 students took the opportunity to explore different aspects of the automotive trade, through the 'Explore Working in Automotive' careers days, organised by Highlands LLEN. Students were exposed to various automotive and transport settings including light and heavy vehicle maintenance, and diesel fitting. These opportunities offer students an insight into the industry and open their eyes to the many and varied roles available.

Community News