“If I can resonate with a couple of kids, then that’s a job well done”
Kyneton High School’s Vocational Major students got hands-on life skills training from NRL player Josh King last week.
The students are undertaking an applied learning program that prepares them to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education or directly into the workforce.
King, a Melbourne Storm player, spoke to them about his own education and how he got to where he was today.
“You have to prepare yourself for a long time for anything in life, it just doesn’t happen overnight, it takes months of training or working to perform habits and to build those routines,” he said.
King grew up in rural New South Wales, in a town called Singleton in the Hunter Valley.
After schooling, he completed a four-year electrical apprenticeship through the Hunter Valley Mine, while also training for first grade rugby.
King explained to the students that you didn’t need to live close to a big city to be able to get opportunities in life.
“I am from rural New South Wales and it’s similar in the way that it’s a long way to the big city, and I think sometimes you can get caught up in that, that I can’t achieve anything because I don’t have the same opportunities,” he said.
“The main point is about self belief, I’m no different to any kid that grows up in this area. I went to a public school, I didn’t go to a private school, I not from some special background.”
During the talk, King reinforced that you had to work hard to achieve your goals, and that it was important to set yourself up in life with options.
“You can do it if you are willing to set your mind to it and if you’re willing to show up and make some sacrifices,” he said.
“You control you own destiny. People can guide and help you, but at the end of the day, it’s your decision to work hard and to show up.”
Part of King’s program was getting the students involved in a few rugby/football skilled activities. The drills highlighted the importance of communication, leadership and how small changes you made could change your path.
The program has been taken around regional Victoria for about five years, reaching far and wide to places like Echuca, Horsham, Kerang and Seymour.
The Minerals Council of Australia sponsors the program that King delivers to regional Victorian schools.
James Sorahan, executive director of MCA Victoria, stressed the importance of having someone like King visit schools to encourage student engagement and support.
“The Minerals Council of Australia supports bringing Josh as a natural mentor to regional schools to help inspire students to stay engaged in education,” he said.
King’s important take-home message to the students was that they were in charge of their decisions, and needed to put in the hard work if they wanted to achieve their goals.
“It doesn’t matter where you grow up or how you grow up, there’s always someone willing to help if you ask for help,” he said.