Across the Northern Territory, the Clontarf Foundation continues to play an important role in supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men as they prepare for life beyond school.

Through mentorship, education support and real-world exposure to employment pathways, the program is helping students build confidence, resilience and a clearer sense of direction about their future.

That commitment was on full display at a recent employment forum that brought together 62 Year 11 and 12 students from eight Clontarf academies across the Top End north and south regions. Students travelled from a wide range of schooling communities including Casuarina, Haileybury Rendall, Taminmin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala, highlighting the strong reach of the Clontarf network across the Northern Territory. The mix of metro, regional and remote communities reflected the diversity of young people the program supports and the growing demand for opportunities that help bridge the gap between school and employment.

Importantly, the forum was not just about information. It was about connection. Thirty-four industry partners attended the event, creating valuable opportunities for conversations about careers, training pathways and life after school. Students were able to speak directly with employers, ask questions about different industries and begin imagining what their future could look like beyond the classroom.

These kinds of experiences matter. Helping Northern Territory students understand employment, training and further education options gives them agency and direction as they step into adulthood.

By bringing students face to face with industry leaders and organisations, the Clontarf Foundation is ensuring young people can connect their education with real career possibilities. Exposure to these environments helps students develop a stronger sense of career identity and confidence in navigating the next stage of their lives.

Former Clontarf student Terrance Talbot, who graduated from Casuarina Senior College in 2024, spoke to the students about his own journey and the importance of backing yourself as you step into the unknown.

Talbot described the challenges of balancing school, sport and work during his final year, while navigating the uncertainty that often comes with finishing school.

"Year 12 was quite stressful as I look back on it. However, I believe that going through those tough times built a level of resilience in me I couldn't begin to comprehend."

Like many young people leaving school, he faced the big question of what comes next.

"As year 12 came to its conclusion, I was walking across the stage to collect my certificate. Time slows down because you're put in a weird position. You've finally completed something you've dedicated the majority of your life to. So what's next?"

With guidance from his Clontarf mentors, Talbot explored different options before eventually stepping into his current role as a Trainee Ranger with Larrakia Nation, working across Darwin and surrounding areas.

"Working as a trainee ranger with Larrakia Nation is dynamic work all across Darwin, even out to Gunn Point," he said.

"We could be maintaining a walking track, spraying weeds or doing marine life observations. It's so diverse with what you could do and that's why I love the job."

His message to the students in the room was simple but powerful.

"Now it's your turn to find the job you love."

Moments like this highlight why programs like Clontarf matter so deeply. They provide young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men with mentorship, networks and real opportunities that help turn ambition into action.

Darwin Port, one of the partners supporting the event, reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that create meaningful pathways for young people.

"Darwin Port is proud to participate in initiatives that create meaningful pathways for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," a spokesperson said.

"We wish all students the very best as they continue their education and move toward their future career prospects."

For the students who attended, the forum represented more than just a day of conversations. It was a chance to see new possibilities, to connect with people who believe in them and to take the first steps toward shaping their future.

As Talbot reminded them in closing, they are not walking that path alone.

"Take a look around this room," he said.

"Every single person here believes in you, supports you and wants to see you succeed."

Programs like this work because communities, schools, mentors and industry step up together. When businesses open their doors, when leaders share their time and when communities back young people to succeed, real pathways are created.

And by supporting them, you are investing in the future of the Northern Territory. The more organisations that step forward to partner, mentor and create employment opportunities, the stronger those pathways become for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.