When 16-year-old Gus first joined VERTO’s Brutha Biran program in July 2025, he had no idea it would help shape his future career.
Like many young people, the proud Wiradjuri student from Orange High School wasn't entirely sure what life after school would look like. The eight-week program, which introduces young Aboriginal men to barbering while building confidence, connection and practical skills, became the first in a series of opportunities that would expose Gus to new industries and career possibilities.
"I never thought I'd enjoy cutting hair, but I actually loved it," Gus said. "It was the first time I realised I liked doing hands-on work and creating something."
That experience sparked a curiosity that led to his next opportunity: an industry immersion day at Hort Enterprises.
"The immersion day showed me how many different pathways there are within the industry," Gus said. "Before that, I didn't really know what trades looked like day-to-day or how far you could go with them."
Today, Gus is completing a school-based apprenticeship with Hort Enterprises, balancing four days a week at school with one day in the workplace. The Orange-based business specialises in metal fabrication, machining and protective coatings, providing engineering and industrial maintenance solutions across the region.
Alongside him is Mikayla, an 18-year-old first-year full-time apprentice who also found her future through early industry exposure and hands-on learning experiences.
While their pathways were different, both journeys were shaped by opportunities supported by VERTO's Indigenous Advancement Strategy Coordinator, Mary Croaker, whose work helps young people across Central West NSW explore career pathways and build confidence for the future.
For Mikayla, the journey began through the Girls Can Too program, delivered by the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program and the NSW Department of Education at Orange TAFE. The initiative encourages female students to explore traditionally male-dominated industries through hands-on learning and workplace experiences, with Mary supporting the program locally.
"I was pretty set on going to uni and studying business," Mikayla said. "Trades weren't really something I'd considered before."
Mikayla credits much of her journey to the encouragement she received from her school careers adviser, who recognised that her strengths, personality and interests were well suited to a trade career.
"He really encouraged me to look at trades and opportunities like Girls Can Too," Mikayla said. "At the time I wasn't sure, but I'm so glad I listened because it's led me to where I am today."
Through the Girls Can Too program and later the Hort Enterprises immersion day, Mikayla gained firsthand insight into the trades industry and began to see a future for herself within it.
"I loved seeing how everything worked together and learning from the people already doing the job," she said. "The more I learnt, the more I realised this was something I could actually see myself doing."
The immersion day itself was the result of a strong partnership between Hort Enterprises and Mary Croaker, built on a shared commitment to creating opportunities for local young people and strengthening connections between industry and community.
For Patrice Sharp, Human Resources Coordinator at Hort Enterprises, the day represented far more than a workplace tour.
"An immersion day allows you to connect with young people face-to-face, hear their stories, answer their questions and see who they are beyond a resume," Patrice said.
"We weren't looking at grades or qualifications. We were looking at how they engaged, how they listened, the questions they asked and the respect they showed. Gus and Mikayla stood out because they were genuinely curious and eager to learn."
The experience also gave Hort Enterprises a different way to identify potential, allowing the team to focus on character, and cultural fit rather than relying solely on traditional recruitment measures.
"When young people are given the chance to experience an industry firsthand, you get a much clearer picture of who they are and what they can become," Patrice said. "It's about seeing their character, not just what's written on a piece of paper."
Following the immersion day, both students completed workplace learning before securing apprenticeships with Hort Enterprises in January 2026. Since joining the business, both have flourished, growing in confidence while developing valuable workplace and trade skills.
"I've learnt how to communicate with different people, work as part of a team and push myself outside my comfort zone," Mikayla said. "Everyone here has been really supportive and I've felt part of the team from day one."
As Hort Enterprises' first female apprentice, she hopes her journey encourages other young women to consider careers in trades.
For Gus, the hands-on nature of the work is exactly what he was looking for.
"I like that every week is different and there's always something new to learn," Gus said. "I get to help out with different jobs around the workshop, and it's been a really good experience so far."
Patrice believes their success demonstrates why programs like Brutha Biran, Girls Can Too and industry immersion experiences are so important.
"Workforce development starts long before a job application," she said. "When we give young people the opportunity to explore different pathways, ask questions and see what's possible, we help them make informed decisions about their future."
Working alongside VERTO, Skillset and the Department of Education, Hort Enterprises has built a wrap-around support network that helps young people successfully transition from the classroom to the workshop.
Her advice to other employers is simple.
"Put aside the traditional corporate mindset and take the time to connect with local young people. When you create genuine opportunities to listen, learn and build relationships, you'll discover incredible talent that's right on your doorstep."
