Local businesses and community groups again have the chance to leverage off the interests and skills of eager high school students to improve their online presence.

The innovative NextGen program is offered by Kiama Community College with the support of Council’s Youth Services.

It sees students work under the guidance of business coach Glenn Haworth to assist businesses with their individual needs.

“Typically we help people improve their social media presence, especially instagram, establish an email database for direct marketing, and make sure they are making the most of Google My Business,” says Glenn.

“It can take a bit of time to set these things up if you haven’t done it before.

“Technology is second nature to these young people.

“I love being part of this program as it is a great way of connecting different sectors of my community.”

The Bugle's Google My Business page

The Bugle was one of the participants in the program last year, and can attest to the benefits of being involved.

At the beginning of the program, businesses were asked what they would like to achieve, met the students (who had interests ranging from IT to photography), and the matchmaking began.

As a result, The Bugle now has a comprehensive listing that comes up when people google us and an instagram page set up with a strategy in mind.

It was a bit scary at times to have others working on your business, but knowing it was all under Glenn’s supervision was reassuring.

The students work on social media posts for the business and make sure the best hashtags are utilised.

Ziba's instagram page

“It was a really positive experience to be able to get some different concepts and ideas about social media from the younger generation,” says Mel Smith of Ziba Lifestyle in Gerringong.

“They were able to teach me a few tricks, and in return they were able to learn about the practicalities of business advertising from me.

“It was great to get their input and I think they really enjoyed the experience.”

Somer O’Connell, who is now at univerity in Sydney, participated in the program last year and says she learnt a lot from being involved in helping 43 Degrees South with their marketing.

“It was a great opportunity to understand the realities of business, and learn more about that side of social marketing.”

The 12 week program costs $350, which is used to pay the students for some of their time, which is supervised and done out of school hours. Cost includes two individual sessions with Glenn.

The next session starts 21 July.

Contact Su Montgomery on 4232 1050 or [email protected] for details