In the last week of Term 3, Bendigo Tech School proudly delivered the second iteration of our Entrepreneurial Edge work experience program. We welcomed an incredible group of Year 10 students from Bendigo South East College, Catherine McAuley College, Crusoe College, and Girton Grammar School for a business-focused immersion into innovation, teamwork, and industry engagement.
Developed in collaboration with Bugbox, La Trobe Business School, and the Goldfields LLEN, the program offered students a unique opportunity to explore entrepreneurship and business development in a real-world context.
Over five action-packed days, students stepped into the shoes of young entrepreneurs, challenged to identify real problems within traditional industries and design robotics or digital technology solutions that were not only practical but also pitch-ready. The program brought together core business concepts, human-centred design, and future workforce skills, all within a supportive and collaborative environment.
Working in small teams, students aligned themselves with one of four key industry sectors identified for strong future growth across the region: construction, manufacturing, health, and professional and community services.
Through hands-on workshops in areas such as branding, market research, prototyping, and finance, students developed both technical and soft skills, while building confidence in public speaking, problem-solving, and creative thinking. A highlight of the week was the empathy interviews with industry professionals, which gave students firsthand insights into workforce challenges and opportunities in their chosen fields.
Thank you to Brad Hodge (La Trobe Rural Health School), Sean Myers (Bortana), Tash Smith (Lansell Homes), and Andrew Chittenden (Golden City Support Services) for generously sharing their time and expertise with the students.
The program culminated with a formal pitch event, where students presented their business solutions to industry and community representatives. This was followed by a celebratory networking event, providing a relaxed space for students to connect with mentors and industry guests.
We extend our thanks to our partners across local government, business and education, and in particular our collaborators from Bugbox, La Trobe University, and Goldfields LLEN, for their vital role in delivering this meaningful, future-focused learning experience.
We are incredibly proud of the bold, innovative ideas our students presented and are excited to see how they continue to shape the future of work.
