Five innovative future entrepreneurs from St Benedict's Catholic College Oran Park were recently awarded third place in Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Blueprint Business Idea Competition for their One Touch bracelet proposal.  

The WSU competition is designed to encourage Year 10 students to pursue new business ideas, provide enrichment opportunities and first-hand experiences in entrepreneurship.

As part of their studies in Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong's (CEDoW's) Transition and Pathways (TaPS) program, Jessica Graydon, Lavinia Hidou, Azariah Baker, Grace Blachura, and Ronan Camilleri were required to solve a customer problem by conceptualising, building, and marketing a business, creating and presenting their original content.

There were a record number of schools that entered the year’s competition, with only five schools qualifying for the finals. Teams were required to provide a ten-minute pre-recorded video presentation, and then participate in a Q & A session with competition judges, consisting of university academics and local business leaders. 

The unnecessary death of domestic violence victim, Kelly Wilkinson, was the inspiration for the One Touch bracelet initiative concept. Targeted at two specific age groups, the bracelet is a cost-effective, fashionable safety device, which allows victims of domestic violence to discreetly alert a close contact if in need of help. 

Year 10 student, Jessica Graydon, enjoyed being able to expand on an innovative idea and make a difference to the consumer experience. “Being part of the competition has taught me that if you genuinely have a good idea, then take the opportunity! It’s given me great insight into real-world business skills and entrepreneurship.”

“I’m most proud of the fact that we were able to introduce the One Touch bracelet into the market, and that our product can be made a reality and make a difference to people’s lives” – Jessica, St Benedict's

Louise Markwell, CEDoW Education Officer–TaPS/VET understands the importance of early career development.

“The TaPS program supports teachers find amazing opportunities to provide inspiration from across all industry sectors to bring learning in the classroom to life,” she said. 

“St Benedict’s has established this wonderful opportunity for these young people to develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills, such as communication and collaboration, by connecting with a panel of experts to receive feedback on their design product."

Established in CEDoW schools in 2021, TaPS is now offered to all systemic secondary schools – providing expert advice and explicit career education support for students in establishing post-school directions. Students can access the program from Year 7 to help start thinking about their career journey at significant decision-making points during their school life.  

Congratulations to Jessica, Lavinia, Azariah, Grace and Ronan – and the teachers and mentors at St Benedict’s – for the countless hours they all put into the competition to produce such an impressive business idea.