By Nick Johnstone, Principal of Bishop Druitt College

In an era of educational transformation, the symbiosis between local businesses and schools has become increasingly vital. As the Principal of Bishop Druitt College, I have observed firsthand the profound impact of these alliances. In the face of stressed school budgets and escalating living expenses, it is imperative that schools infuse their curricula and extracurricular offerings with real-world relevance. However, what often goes unrecognised is the exceptional opportunity these partnerships present for the business sector. Let us delve into the three primary reasons local enterprises should forge alliances with educational institutions and the ways they can engage.

Elevating Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a key component of modern business practices. The Parliamentary Joint Committee’s report on corporate responsibility highlights the importance of businesses integrating social and environmental considerations into their operations. This includes addressing direct impacts and contributing to broader community goals, such as education.

Partnering with schools is a powerful way for businesses to demonstrate CSR and can contribute to a school’s and business's success and visibility. This can take many forms, including:

Sponsoring school events: Presentation day prizes, golf days sponsorships, awards at sports and performing arts events, and donation of prizes for events.

Providing resources: Making one-off donations to school projects, facilities, or service projects.

Developing strategic partnerships: Establishing a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship that aligns business goals with educational needs. This could include sharing professional skills or access to services such as guest speaking or mentoring. This promotes knowledge and skill-building for students and school staff alike.

Cultivating the Workforce of Tomorrow

The ever-evolving job market necessitates that secondary school graduates be equipped for a spectrum of post-secondary trajectories, encompassing trade apprenticeships, tertiary education, and direct workforce entry. Contemporary educational paradigms emphasise the cultivation of the "6Cs": Critical thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Citizenship, and Character, alongside traditional academic competencies in literacy, numeracy, and digital proficiency.

The business sector plays an indispensable role in this preparatory process. At Bishop Druitt College, for example, we have witnessed remarkable outcomes from initiatives that facilitate engagement between industry professionals and students, including internships, work placements, incidental or intentional mentorship opportunities, and career expos. Wide-ranging research from Jehta and Fine (2019) across the US and the Australian Parliament Joint Committee's report (2013) corroborates the value of practical experience and industry interaction, revealing that early and consistent career education significantly enhances students' workforce readiness.

By participating in these initiatives, businesses contribute to the shaping of a more adept and versatile workforce while gaining access to a cadre of students already conversant with their industry's demands and culture.

Nurturing Circular Community Growth

Investment in schools catalyses a positive feedback loop that reverberates throughout the community. The Australian Parliament's report (2013) indicates that when businesses actively engage with schools, they foster a more motivated and involved student body. Students who perceive the real-world applicability of their education are more likely to persist in their studies and strive for academic excellence. Students are simply more engaged when they see the relevance of their learning.

By championing educational causes, businesses not only contribute to student's academic and personal development but also reap the benefits of a more motivated local workforce. This reciprocal reinforcement cultivates a more robust and resilient community, where students are better prepared for their future roles, and businesses have access to a well-equipped talent pool.

Charting the Course Forward

The advantages of business-school partnerships are unequivocal. They offer substantial benefits for both educational institutions and commercial enterprises, fostering a more interconnected and motivated community. Schools require the support of local businesses to enhance their programs and equip students for future challenges, while businesses stand to gain from amplified CSR impact, access to a well-prepared workforce, and community growth.

As we navigate the complexities of this complex 21st-century economy and education landscape, the imperative for collaboration between schools and local businesses has never been more pronounced. By joining forces, we can create a thriving ecosystem that nurtures talent, drives innovation, and strengthens the fabric of our communities. The time for action is now – let us embrace the power of partnership and shape a brighter future together.

To explore how your business can get involved with my school, email secretary@bdc.nsw.edu.au, or visit the BDC Business Directory to list your business

https://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/our-community/business-directory.

Sources:

Mehta, J. & Fine, S. (2019). In Search of Deeper Learning - the Quest to Remake the American High School. Harvard University Press.

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services (2013) Corporate responsibility: Managing risk and creating value, Home – Parliament of Australia. Available at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Corporations_and_Financial_Services/Completed_inquiries/2004-07/corporate_responsibility/report/c08 (Accessed: 12 September 2024).