We’ve been yarning with Nicole Amey, recognised as the 2022 Teens in Business Australian Entrepreneurial Educator, Year 12 Coordinator and Humanities Teacher who drives innovation for young people at Kepnock State High School, Bundaberg as well as building community engagement and strengthening the local innovation ecosystem. 

She has been recognised and contributed to national research alongside a team of Australian educators as part of the Entrepreneurial Educators Exchange (E3).

Welcome to the Queen Be Podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories of women who are making a difference in their communities.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Amey, an advocate for youth entrepreneurship and youth as creative problem solvers.

With over 20 years of experience in teaching and education across three countries, Nicole is truly an inspirational figure for young people looking to make a difference.

A Journey Back to Bundaberg

Nicole’s rebelleous nature has taken her across the globe, from her birthplace in Cairns to living in London for 20 years. But it was her desire to have her young son surrounded by family that brought her back to Bundaberg. 

The Power of Entrepreneurship Education

Now firmly ensconced at Kepnock State High School, Nicole has been instrumental in implementing an entrepreneurship program called Ingenium. This extracurricular program encourages students to explore their own experiences and the challenges they face, and then develop innovative solutions to these problems. Through this program, students have tackled issues such as the impact of COVID-19 and the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef.

Education hasn’t always been Nicole’s “thing”. After dropping out of school herself and having to catchup in order to stady later in life, Nicole has experiences and understanding that struggling students appreciate. Her perspective and attitude takes the pressure off students to perform at A grade where that isn’t their strength. Instead they feel empowered to do things differently, and to still make great impacts for their own communities.

Engaging Students and Building Ecosystems

One of the key aspects of Nicole’s work is the engagement of students with the local community. By connecting students with local businesses and organizations, she is able to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation. This engagement has had a profound impact on the students, not only in terms of their academic performance but also their overall well-being.

Nicole emphasizes that entrepreneurship education is not limited to specific subjects or disciplines. The skills and mindset developed through entrepreneurship can be applied across various areas of study and permeate into different aspects of life. By providing students with opportunities to develop these skills, Nicole is preparing them for a future where adaptability and creativity are essential.

The Power of Connection and Collaboration

Connection and collaboration are key in driving change and empowering young people. Nicole encourages everyone working in the field of entrepreneurship education to reach out and connect with one another. By sharing stories and experiences, they can create a supportive network that supports their wellbeing, amplifies their impact and creates opportunities for collaboration.

Nicole also expressed her excitement about the future of entrepreneurship education. She highlighted the need for systems change in education to better support students and prepare them for the rapidly changing employment landscape. Through initiatives such as the Entrepreneurial Educators Exchange and the development of the Version 9 Entrepreneurship Curriculum, Nicole is confident that positive change is on the horizon.

Conclusion: Empowering the Change-Makers of Tomorrow

In our conversation with Nicole Amey, it became clear that youth entrepreneurship education is a powerful tool for empowering young people and driving positive change. Through programs like Ingenium, students are given the opportunity to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial mindset. By engaging with the local community and building supportive ecosystems, Nicole is creating an environment where young people can thrive and make a difference.