The state government will commit another $2.4 million to the Beacon Foundation to continue its work-based learning program in schools through 2027 and 2028.
The two-year extension follows an identical $2.4 million commitment announced in November 2024 for the 2025 and 2026 school years.
The funding supports work placements, site tours, career panels and industry workshops for students in Years 9 to 12 across more than 60 public schools.
More than 4,500 students took part in the program during 2024-25.
Beacon Foundation chief executive Scott Harris said the program helped students see career options they might not otherwise have considered.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” Harris said.
“When a student walks onto a building site, sits down with a chef or talks to a nurse, something shifts and they start to believe that future is possible for them.”
Harris said the funding would allow Beacon to continue operating in Tasmanian schools.
“For 25 years, Beacon has been connecting students with employers across the state and this continued investment means we can keep building brighter futures for young Tasmanians,” he said.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said the funding would help young Tasmanians move from school into further study, training or work.
“Through the Beacon Foundation, we are delivering engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect young Tasmanians directly with industry,” Palmer said.
The Beacon Foundation has received state government funding for more than a decade, including a $5 million state contribution to a joint pilot program with the Paul Ramsay Foundation in 2016.
Evaluation data from Beacon shows 76% of students reported increased career confidence after taking part, while 74% said they had improved their skills through workplace exposure.
