North Metropolitan TAFE

There’s a big spark ready to ignite First Nations’ futures at North Metropolitan TAFE! Discover how the Koomba Birdal program is connecting First Nations students and mentors to light the path to a bright future.

The Koomba Birdal (Big Spark) program, is designed to provide tailored and supported training pathways for First Nations students who would otherwise not have been able to participate in training. Each program is carefully customised, together with industry and community to provide a holistic approach to training and address barriers faced by First Nations people in accessing education and employment.

At the heart of the program lies a commitment to supporting students every step of the way to ensure their experience of training is a positive one. Many have not had a positive experience of traditional education and the key success factor for Koomba Birdal are Indigenous mentors in the learning environment to provide the link between formal training and traditional learning styles. Mentors, together with lecturers work together to build trust and ensure the experience of training is culturally safe.

Mentor Heidi Bell reflected on her involvement in the program, saying “It’s been a great professional and personal experience; seeing the confidence grow within them, going on work placement, making friends, obtaining a driver license, just to name a few. I’ve enjoyed building a positive and meaningful rapport with students, allowing trust and growth to happen organically.”

Everyone works together to ensure that when students are experiencing hurdles; like gaining a driver’s licence, having the right tools of the trade, meeting gaps in literacy and numeracy or accessing childcare; that they are supported to stay engaged.

Placement hosts are carefully selected and sponsorship by key partners lower financial barriers by covering costs for essentials such as personal protective equipment, uniforms, stationery, and industry standards such as White Card training and First Aid.  While employment isn’t guaranteed, the focus of the program is in ensuring there are real job outcomes; either through host employers, support by the College’s Jobs and Skills team or further training through an apprenticeship.

The program nurtures skills needed to build a bright path to meaningful, long-term employment – incorporating skills in managing personal health and wellbeing, mental health awareness and money management skills, so that graduates are not only equipped with the skills demanded by industry for their employment, but skills to ensure their participation in employment for the long term.

The program is rewarding for First Nations staff too, “the positive experience is being a part of assisting students completing their assessments. It has also given me the chance to share my experience as an Aboriginal person,” says Trevor Martin.

By incorporating Indigenous knowledge and values into the classroom, Koomba Birdal creates an environment where students feel respected and empowered. This approach not only helps students succeed academically but builds their sense of pride. For example, last year’s horticulture certificate participants learnt the industry skills required but this was contextualised to a deep connection and ‘Care for Country.’ One student expressed his excitement about the prospect of becoming a ranger, saying, “It would be a good chance to explore my country, and look after and maintain the land.”

Koomba Birdal’s impact extends beyond individual success stories; retention and completion rates are unmatched. But the impact on the participants’ employment prospects and their experience of education is the real indicator of success.

Looking ahead, Koomba Birdal has ambitious plans aiming to further expand its reach and provide more training opportunities; the future is bright.