The Empower Us program assists students at risk of leaving school early and provides them with skills to help get into work, or incentive to stay in education.

“At first I was a bit hesitant, but it’s turned out to be a good day and better than we thought,” Orange’s Riley Ward, 16 said. 

For Riley, the best parts of the day included forensic science and playing with stun grenades.

 “It looks like a lot of hard work that needs dedication, but is a lot of fun and you don’t have to worry about getting paid as the economy doesn’t affect it.”

Thursday’s Community Awareness of Policing Program at Canobolas Local Area Command was one day of the 10 week program which is a partnership between NSW Police, Family and Community Services, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Orange TAFE and Birrang Enterprises.

Orange’s Aboriginal issues officer Inspector Linda Bradbury said the day was about providing encouragement, ideas and options for careers.

“Students are at a crossroads where they may leave schools but if they’re seen what they can do they may stay longer and potentially start a career with NSW Police,” she said.