As we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, we're pleased to introduce one of AUSMASA's newest members, the Clontarf Foundation.

For more than 25 years, Clontarf has helped young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men build the confidence, skills and resilience to complete school and transition into employment, training and meaningful careers. Through its network of academies across Australia, Clontarf partners with schools, communities and employers to create opportunities that lead to long-term success.

The Foundation recently joined AUSMASA to strengthen connections with organisations that share its commitment to improving workforce outcomes and creating pathways into skilled careers.

We spoke with Marcus Harrold, General Manager of Employment, at the Clontarf Foundation about the importance of industry partnerships, supporting young First Nations men in vocational education and employment, and how employers can help build a more inclusive and sustainable workforce.

Building pathways through partnership

Why did Clontarf join AUSMASA?

"We joined AUSMASA to strengthen our connections with organisations that share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities,” Mr Harrold said.

Collaboration has always been central to Clontarf's approach. By joining the AUSMASA network, the Foundation hopes to share knowledge, learn from others and contribute its experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they transition from school into employment and training.

"We see membership as a platform for advocacy, partnership and innovation that will help us enhance the impact of our programs and continue to deliver meaningful opportunities for the young men we work with."

Supporting successful transitions

Moving from school into vocational training or employment can present additional challenges for many young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Access to career pathways, financial and geographic barriers, and navigating workplace expectations for the first time can all influence a young person's transition.

Clontarf begins preparing academy members well before they leave school through career guidance, workplace-readiness activities, work experience, industry visits and connections with employers. Importantly, support continues well beyond Year 12, with ongoing mentoring to help graduates overcome challenges, remain engaged in employment or training, and build long-term careers.

The role employers play

For Clontarf, creating opportunities is only the beginning.

The Foundation believes lasting outcomes are achieved when employers build genuine partnerships and provide workplaces that are culturally safe, supportive and committed to developing young people.

Early engagement through work experience, mentoring, school-based traineeships, apprenticeships and structured employment pathways helps young men build confidence, understand workplace expectations and envision a future in the industry.

"We've seen the greatest success when employers see themselves not simply as providers of jobs, but as partners in developing the next generation of skilled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.”

Culture, identity and confidence

As Australia celebrates 50 Years of Deadly during NAIDOC Week, Clontarf continues to demonstrate the important role culture and identity play in building confidence and supporting long-term success.

Each academy fosters a safe, supportive environment where young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men can build positive relationships, strengthen their confidence and take pride in who they are. Strong connections with local Elders, community members and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations help academy members learn about local culture, history and community in ways that are meaningful and locally led.

That sense of belonging underpins Clontarf's work to help young men develop resilience, self-discipline and practical life skills that support success at school and create stronger pathways to training, employment and meaningful careers.

About the Clontarf Foundation

Established in 2000, the Clontarf Foundation improves the education, life skills, self-discipline and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through full-time, school-based academies. In 2026, Clontarf operates 161 academies across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, supporting more than 12,000 academy members.