Social Enterprise at Arethusa College

Arethusa College Enterprise (ACE) is a youth engagement initiative for Arethusa College students aged 14–17. The program integrates vocational education, social enterprise, and community engagement to enhance employability, promote social and commercial entrepreneurship, and ensure a successful transition post-secondary school. It will support young people through nationally recognised training, hands-on business experience, and structured support systems that can lead to paid employment.

 

Outcomes

ACE combines paid employment, real-world experience and formal qualifications. Specific program outcomes will also include:

  • Education Students complete nationally recognised certificates in hospitality, business, retail, construction, hair & beauty and community services, enhancing their employability and career prospects.
  • Employment & Training Students have access to paid school-based traineeship opportunities, providing them with valuable work experience, formal training and income.
  • Skill Development Students gain practical skills in a variety of industries, as well as financial/business literacy.
  • Community Engagement Arethusa Enterprise serves as a hub for community interaction, fostering connections between young people, teachers, parents, and the general public.
  • Entrepreneurship Students gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship and business management through hands-on experience in running their own enterprise.
  • Personal Growth/Empowerment Students develop confidence, leadership skills, communication skills and a sense of ownership over their learning and professional development.
  • Social Impact Each enterprise will contribute to the local economy and social fabric by supporting employment, engagement, local sourcing, and sustainable practices.
  • Academic Success The program enhances student engagement and motivation, leading to improved academic performance, school retention, QLD Certificate of Education and graduation rates.
  • Sustainability Each enterprise generates revenue that can be reinvested into the program, ensuring its long-term viability and impact.
  • Partnerships Young people build relationships with mentors, industry professionals, and community stakeholders, expanding their professional networks and opportunities for future success.

 

Arethusa College will implement a variety of social enterprise ‘businesses’ for students to choose from focusing on trading, service, education and skills development in a variety of industries. Each enterprise can consist of more than one ‘business’ with teams of young people servicing areas in South-East QLD. Initially under the supervision of trained and qualified staff, students have an opportunity to progress through a series of steps to eventually be able to transition to ‘ACE Team Leader’ and effectively operate the business under their guidance and transitioning it to being fully independently run and operating outside Arethusa College.