The Gold Coast Titans’ long-standing commitment to education, employment and community development was proudly reflected at the recent NRL School to Work (S2W) National Awards Night, with several Titans-linked participants and partners recognised on the national stage.
The NRL School to Work program is designed to support Indigenous students as they transition from school into further education, training or employment.
Through mentoring, career planning and strong relationships with schools and employers, the program creates meaningful pathways that extend well beyond the classroom or sporting field.
For the Gold Coast Titans, School to Work has been a cornerstone community program for many years, embedding education and employment outcomes alongside cultural connection and personal development.
Delivered in close partnership with schools, families and local employers, the program continues to evolve and strengthen across the region.
“The School to Work program is about walking alongside young people as they build confidence, identify their strengths and take ownership of their future,” said Shelley Keegan, NRL School to Work Project Officer at the Gold Coast Titans.
“Seeing our participants and partners recognised at a national level is incredibly rewarding and a testament to the relationships built over time.”
National Recognition with a Titans Connection
At this year’s awards, three Titans-linked recipients were acknowledged among the nation’s best, highlighting the depth of impact the program continues to have across multiple touchpoints.
Employee of the Year – Sarah Lyons
Sarah Lyons’ journey through the NRL School to Work program is a powerful example of sustained growth and ambition. A participant since 2023, Sarah attended Robina State High School and completed Year 12 in 2024.
Her dedication and leadership were first recognised last year when she was named Student of the Year.
In 2025, Sarah took another significant step forward, earning the national Employee of the Year award.
Following the completion of her schooling, Sarah chose to undertake a gap year, combining overseas travel with employment at a camp, gaining valuable life and workplace experience.
She is set to commence a Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University next year, continuing her pathway into a meaningful and service-driven career.
Sarah was nominated after meeting all program requirements and completing a detailed nomination process.
Her submission was reviewed by a national NRL panel, placing her in the top three finalists and earning her a trip to Sydney for the awards announcement.
“Sarah’s journey shows what’s possible when opportunity meets commitment,” Keegan said.
School Representative of the Year – Foxwell State Secondary College (Chris Goldsmith)
Foxwell State Secondary College was recognised through the outstanding efforts of Chris Goldsmith, who was named a finalist and eventual winner in the School Representative of the Year category.
Chris was nominated for his unwavering commitment to student wellbeing and success, particularly within the school’s Indigenous cohort.
Alongside his role supporting Indigenous students, Chris consistently takes on additional leadership responsibilities, including acting as a Year Level Dean and stepping into Deputy Principal duties when required.
His dedication extends beyond job descriptions, ensuring students feel supported, challenged and empowered to pursue their goals.
Chris’s nomination was reviewed by a national panel, where he was selected among the top three finalists before travelling to Sydney for the awards night.
“Chris embodies what School to Work looks like at its best,” Keegan said.
“He goes above and beyond for students, and his impact is felt not just at Foxwell, but across the wider school community.”
Employer of the Year – Kmart (Shared with South Sydney)
Kmart was recognised as Employer of the Year (shared with South Sydney), acknowledging the organisation’s exceptional support of NRL School to Work participants.
Through meaningful employment opportunities, ongoing mentoring and a genuine commitment to participant development, Kmart has consistently exceeded expectations.
Looking ahead, the organisation is already planning additional engagement activities and events for School to Work participants in 2026.
Their proactive approach demonstrates the vital role employers play in creating sustainable pathways from school into the workforce.
As recognised at the national awards night, transformational change does not happen overnight. It is the result of consistent investment, belief and collaboration.
“Programs like NRL School to Work succeed because of the people involved - the students who commit to their journey, the schools and employers who open doors, and the community that supports them,” Keegan said.
“We’re incredibly proud of everyone who represents the Titans in this space.”
With strong foundations and growing momentum, the Gold Coast Titans support of the NRL School to Work program continues to empower the next generation, creating opportunities that last well beyond the final bell.
