Hear stories from across the country, of rural young people in unique jobs, taking gap years, going on study trips, deciding on uni courses, starting trades and more. Want to hear more about a particular story? Just ask: ruralinspire@cep.org.au
Alkina speaks about the challenge of growing up as an Indigenous young person in rural Victoria.
From: Yorta Yorta Land (Echuca VIC)
After school: Work
Jessica moved to Adelaide to study a Bachelor of Laws. As a way to make friends in the city, Jessica started the Walkerville Netball Club. It is now the third largest netball club in Adelaide.
From: Meru Land (Renmark SA)
After school: Gap year, University
Josephine studied a Bachelor of Criminal Justice. She spent 6 months working in the Netherlands before securing a job as a disability support worker back home.
From: Gundijimara Land (Heywood VIC)
After school: University
Colby works as a firefighter for Fire Rescue Victoria. He responds to a variety of emergencies including car accidents, house fires and hazmat incidents.
From: Djadjawurung Land (Carisbrook VIC)
After School: Work
After school Jessie studied a Bachelor of Nursing. She completed her graduate year at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne and is now working at the Emergency Department of Austin Hospital Melbourne.
From: Djadjawurung Land (St Arnaud VIC)
After school: University
Emily is studying Diploma of Tourism at TAFE. She hopes to combine travel and work when she finishes her course.
From: Gundijimara Land (Timboon VIC)
After school: TAFE
Teegan is studying accounting because she loves working with numbers and giving advice on how people should use their money.
From: Djadjawurung Land (Maryborough VIC)
After school: University
Georgia wanted to study environmental science but then changed her mind and decided to pursue a career in fine arts.
From: Jaitmathang Land (Myrtleford VIC)
Afterschool: University
Tom felt burnout after year 12 so he decided to take a year off to work and travel. He couldn't recommend the experience enough.
From: Jaitmathang Land (Dederang VIC)
After school: University
Nathan's Bachelor of Industrial Engineering has taken him all the way to Bosnia. He now works for the Shire Council where he grew up.
From: Djadjawurung Land (St Arnaud VIC)
After school: University
Baydon decided that university wasn't for him. Instead, he worked as a casual at Ritchie's IGA and is now working for PFD - Australia's largest foodservice distributor.
From: Wergaia Land (Warracknabeal VIC)
After school: Work
When Tyson first left school he worked as a motor mechanic, however he quickly realised he is better suited to a career in dairy farming.
From: Gundijimara Land (Timboon VIC)
After school: Work