Building Pathways into Education

The Aspiring Koorie Teachers (AKT) Now program is creating genuine pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build careers in Victorian government schools. Bringing together government, community and employment expertise to create new opportunities and pathways into education. The employment-based program combines paid employment, study, practical experience and culturally safe support. It gives participants the confidence, skills and experience to take their first step into education. Participants can undertake either a Higher Education pathway towards becoming a qualified teacher or a VET pathway through a Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support.

AKT Now demonstrates what is possible when government, community and employment organisations bring their expertise together around a shared goal. The program is delivered through a partnership between the Victorian Department of Education, VACSAL (Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited) and AFL SportsReady, with each partner playing a distinct and important role. The Victorian Department of Education provides program funding, salary subsidies to participating government schools and oversight of the AKT Now program and education pathways. VACSAL brings Aboriginal community sector expertise, strengthening the program's connection to Aboriginal communities and supporting culturally appropriate delivery. AFL SportsReady brings expertise in employment, recruitment, onboarding and ongoing participant support, including culturally safe mentoring from qualified Indigenous mentors. Together, the partnership connects government policy and investment, community knowledge and employment expertise to create a pathway that supports both participants and schools.

Wraparound support is central to the AKT Now program. It's what helps turn an opportunity into a pathway. For many participants, stepping into a new workplace and balancing employment with study can be a significant first step. Having culturally safe, ongoing support alongside them helps build the confidence to take that step and keep moving forward. AFL SportsReady stays connected with participants throughout their employment and study journey, providing culturally informed mentoring and practical support. Qualified Indigenous mentors help participants navigate the transition into the workplace, manage the demands of work and study and build confidence along the way. The support is not simply about helping participants complete a qualification. It's about supporting the whole journey — creating a safe and encouraging environment where participants can ask questions, overcome challenges, recognise their strengths and see what is possible for their future.

From taking the first step to building a future in education: the impact of AKT Now goes beyond gaining a qualification or securing a job. Through their experiences, participants can discover new strengths, develop personally and professionally and gain a clearer sense of what they want for their future. For some, the experience sparks a passion for teaching, working with children and giving back to their community. With paid employment, study, practical experience and ongoing support working together, participants can build the confidence and capability to progress into further education and meaningful careers in schools. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, AKT Now creates real pathways into teaching and education, while helping build a stronger and more representative education workforce across Victorian government schools.