Helping the Next Gen Step Into Their Power: Volunteering at the Real Industry Job Interviews (RIJI) 14 October 2025
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of joining the Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network (INLLEN) for the first RIJI (Real Industry Job Interviews) event of 2025, hosted at the Aborigines Advancement League in Thornbury. 169 students from five Darebin schools stepped up to put their interview skills to the test, and I, along with 19 other volunteers, spent the day helping them gain real-world experience while sharing feedback, encouragement, and insights they’ll carry into future opportunities.
At Kerry Pietrobon Consulting (KPC), I’m always looking for meaningful ways to share my experience, so when this opportunity came up, I jumped at it. 💛 Supporting young people to find their confidence as they step into the world of work feels like a natural extension of what I do every day.
What I love about RIJI is that it’s so much more than a one-day event. It’s the culmination of a carefully designed work readiness program that helps students develop skills in job searching, resume writing, and interviewing. By the time they reach the event, they’ve done the groundwork — and you can feel it in the room. A mix of nerves, excitement, and pride filled the space as each student gave it their best shot.
Each conversation was a reminder of how powerful these opportunities are. RIJI doesn’t just build employability skills — it builds confidence, connection, and community. Watching students leave with a little more belief in themselves is something truly special.
A huge thank you to INLLEN, the Aborigines Advancement League, the participating schools, and every volunteer who made the day possible. Your time and energy are helping shape brighter futures for these students. 🙌
If you’re a local business, educator, or professional and would like to get involved in future RIJI events, visit inllen.org.au. You never know whose confidence you might help spark. 💛
This was my first time, but it wont be my last
K x
