Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm delighted to announce that the fantastic Australian Business Week, ABW, program for school students is set to start once again on the northern Gold Coast. The ABW northern collegiate comprises grade 11 students from Pacific Pines State High School, Helensvale State High School, Coombabah State High School, Upper Coomera State College, Pimpama State Secondary College and Ormeau Woods State High School. This immersive, practical and hands-on ABW secondary school program engages emerging adults—our future leaders—in a virtual world of business for a week. The students get a real, adult experience and learn vital business, workplace and life skills all at the same time. Participants form teams and assume management roles to run a virtual company, making important business decisions as they compete against each other and the participating teams. The students are able to try their hand and gain experience in business organisations such as manufacturing, IT, hospitality, tourism, retail and food services.

The students are supported by a fantastic team of local teachers, and a special mention goes to Susie Pepper from Ormeau Woods State High School for her wonderful work as the ABW coordinator for our region. In addition to the support of teachers and parents, the students in the ABW program are also supported by local businesses and mentors, and I'm delighted to be formally involved in the program again this year. I offer my full support to this wonderful program. Good luck to all the students involved.