BIG
What is BIG?
BIG is a coalition of business and educational leaders who aim to support creative endeavours which build the aspirations of Burnie citizens of all ages with a particular focus on young people as the future leaders and owners of our community.
The BIG vision is to see our young people converting their great potential into excellent outcomes in their community.
The BIG team seeks to achieve this vision by establishing deep and enduring cooperation between business, educational and local government bodies in our community, with a focus on developing the next generation of workers, leaders and innovators.
BIG aims to support our young people to Begin the dream…
Imagine the possibilities… and Go for it!BIG aims to:
•Sow the seeds of aspiration with children in the early years of education.
•Build strong and active connections between education providers and business in the community that create pathways for our children.
•Create a community attitude that values the importance and role of education and pathways for our children.
•Embrace a contemporary approach to learning and the changing role of technology.
Why BIG?
It has become clear to many community leaders that despite the best efforts of traditional social programs and approaches, we (as a community) struggle to make inroads into entrenched disadvantage and generational welfare dependence.
Burnie and its economy is currently in a state of transition from one that has historically relied on large scale manufacturing towards one that embraces high end niche manufacturing and employment opportunities which are premised on innovation, creativity and entrepreneurialism.
The BIG team believes that the best gift we can provide for our young people is a supported pathway to a vocation, and as a community, we need to develop a strong regional skills base to support emerging economic opportunities.
The Making Burnie 2030 Strategic Plan outlines a number of “future directions”. Future directions 3 is concerned with Burnie becoming a “centre for information, knowledge and learning”.
The work of the BIG team is directly designed to support the achievement of the Making Burnie 2030 goals and future directions 3.
How does BIG work?
The BIG team wants to engage business, education and civic leaders to create the space for the economy to grow and diversify in order to take full advantage of local and global opportunities and secure an innovative and diverse economy.
BIG seeks to create a range of experiences for people of all ages which promotes the value of learning and the importance of completing Year 12 and gaining qualifications in preparing for “new world” employment opportunities.
BIG aims to harness the expertise that exists in our business community to create enthusiasm for stimulating work and to mentor and motivate our young people.
BIG seeks to partner with business, schools and other organisations to provide stimulating experiences which mobilises aspirations and supports the exploration of personal potential.
Who is BIG for?
Begin the dream… is aimed at children from birth to 7
Focuses on the early years with an emphasis on “launching into learning” and the notion that everyone in a young person’s life is a teacher who must promote and value learning.
Imagine the possibilities… targets young people between the ages of 8 and 16
Focuses on the middle years and seeks to enhance and build on a range of existing activities with an emphasis on enhancing aspirations through creative challenges and projects that connect to the world of business and industry.
Go for it!… focuses on those who are 17 and older
Supports the attainment of tertiary qualifications and the transition to the workforce through stronger coordination of existing pathways and activities.
