Students go into possum business

A group of high schools students in Umina are making "possum homes" with NSW Government support in a program to develop business skills.

Minister for Small Business Mr David Campbell said the project was part of the Young Achievement Australia (YAA) business skills program.

"The students are participating through the Peninsula Alternative Learning Centre.

"This is a great opportunity for these students to learn about running a small business by working through the process and experiencing the ups and downs."

Mr Campbell said students taking part in YAA managed a student company for 24 weeks. During that time they sold shares, manufactured and purchased products and sold them, or provided a service, and then finally wound up the company,

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews welcomed the students' involvement, saying it would give them valuable real-life business experience.

"Their company is called 'It's 4 Ya' and they are making possum habitat homes," she said.

"The habitat homes, or boxes, provide alternative homes for possums when people want to remove them from problem areas, such as roof cavities."

Under the program, students from years 9, 10 and 11 volunteer to participate and work with mentors from the local business community.

YAA is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation that conducts a variety of programs and events across the State.

Press release, September 23 David Campbell, Minister for Small Business