Growing Confidence and Connection Through AKT
The Aspiring Koorie Teachers – Earn & Learn Program is a culturally grounded pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria to enter education and support young learners.
Designed to open doors, AKT Earn & Learn Program allows participants the chance to step into schools, earn a wage and build real experience while completing a Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support (CHC40221), with no course fees and strong mentoring along the way.
More than a study program, AKT is about belonging in schools, building confidence through doing and being supported every step of the way.
Participants work in Victorian government schools for up to 12 months, experiencing the reality of education support roles. From one-on-one student support to small group learning, to moving across classrooms and adapting to different needs throughout the day.
Alongside this, participants study online and receive individualised mentoring and wrap-around support. In Bendigo, they also come together at the BDAC satellite site, a culturally safe space where students can connect, learn, and support one another as a community.
Current AKT participants Aimee Hall (Eaglehawk Primary School), Kobe McCaig (Bendigo Violet Street Primary School) and Jimmy Gadsden (Marong Primary School) are each building skills while contributing meaningfully to their school communities.
All three are mentored by Trey and Anzac, who are Indigenous Mentors at AFL SportsReady.
Kobe and Jimmy have bothcompleted their placement and study. Aimee is preparing to begin her qualification after already starting the workplace component.
For Aimee, who joined the program two months ago, the experience has quickly become about connection and purpose. “The most valuable part of my experience in AKT Now has been the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the students I support. I have learnt to understand each students’ individual needs and personalities which has helped me provide tailored support.
“Being able to contribute to a supportive learning environment and seeing even small improvements in students’ engagement and independence has been the most fulfilling aspect of my role so far.”
She has also discovered a deeper sense of who she is in this space.
“One thing I’ve learned about myself through this journey so far is that I’m more adaptable and patient than I initially thought.”Working in an environment where every student has different needs has shown me that I can stay calm, adjust my approach quickly and remain supportive even in challenging situations. I have also found myself easily connecting with kids to quickly build relationships.”
For Kobe, who studies and learns through the Bendigo satellite site at BDAC while completing his placement, the program has helped him recognise the value of his own experience.
“The thing that I learned most was that I’ve already had so much experience with so many different parts of my work, so when speaking on different topics I realised I can utilise that to answer questions and help others.”
He also encourages others who may be considering the program to back themselves and seek support when needed. “Take initiative with work and don’t feel embarrassed or be scared to ask for help. There’s so much support from people in the class, the teacher and AKT mentors.”
Jimmy, completing his placement and study at Marong Primary School, valued the real-world experience which has also helped him grow personally.
“The most valuable part has been getting real experience in the classroom. It’s helped me understand how to support students in a practical way, not just in theory.“I’ve learned that I’m more patient than I thought and that I enjoy helping students learn and feel supported.
“Seeing students improve and knowing I’m making a difference keeps me motivated. It makes the hard work feel worth it.”
Looking ahead, he’s thinking about where this pathway could lead.
“I can see myself potentially studying teaching and to move up north and work with students in remote communities. Something I have done before and enjoyed, this time with more knowledge and experience.”
Together, Aimee, Kobe and Jimmy reflect the heart of the AKT program – building pathways for Indigenous people into education, strengthening confidence and supporting meaningful impact in schools and communities.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved in the AKT program, please register your interest below or reach out to demi.gane@aflsportsready.com.au
