We connect students & industries

The Business Liaison Association (BLA) is a not-for-profit incorporated body that was established in 1993. The BLA provides a unique role in linking education and industry.

The BLA has forged strong working relationships with all secondary schools in the region and provides secondary students with relevant, up to date knowledge, skills and resources to meet the current and evolving scope of the business community. Their vision is to educate, connect and improve the lives of the youth in our region.

Dedicated to advancing career opportunities and pathways for secondary school students, the Association is uniquely placed to broker these opportunities for the young people in Far North Qld.

The Business Liaison Association has access to approximately 11,000 Year 10, 11 and 12 students across the far north from Tully to Mossman and throughout the Tablelands. In recent years the Association is also extending some of its services to remote schools in the Cape and Gulf area.

By collaborating with schools, training providers, employment agencies, government departments, professional associations and industry representatives, the BLA facilitates a range of events including:

• Annual Youth and Careers Expo
• Industry Student Breakfasts
• Visiting Experts Program
• Industry Site  Visits
• Annual DATTA Awards
• Annual Aspire Awards

Students interested in the BLA activities can access information through the guidance Councillors and vocational education teachers at their respective schools, as well as accessing the Website: www.bla.org.au

Each year, in association with a growing group of businesses in Cairns and beyond, the Association offers a number of awards, competitions and bursaries designed to bring students, educators and the business community together. Without these generous industry sponsors these events would not be possible.

The BLA is dedicated to advancing career opportunities and pathways for our secondary students and are uniquely placed to broker these for our young people - but not only that. We believe amazing things happen when schools and businesses work together - and we love making it happen!

If you would like to do amazing things with us to help and inspire our students, then please TALK TO US!