Examining crime scenes and bullets, collecting fingerprints and analysing drug samples are critical police work. In an intensive week-long placement with the NSW Police Miss Wilton saw it all.

The determined teen from Richmond, who is studying a Bachelor of Forensic Science at UWS said she had gained a “hands on” experience her peers could only dream of, which had galvanised her desire for a career in forensics.

“Getting introduced to people,” she said, “is fantastic”.

“You can get the high grades at university but knowing who to go to and where to get help, that experience is invaluable.”

Miss Wilton won the highly coveted access to her dream placement through the Daily Telegraph’s inaugural Go West mentorship program, which has secured work experience placements, study grants and valuable one-on-one mentoring with industry leaders for 47 western Sydney students overall.

Arising out of this newspaper’s Project Sydney — Go West campaign, which champions jobs and investment in Sydney’s biggest growth areas.

“I’d like to work in the exhibit restoration service where you get evidence, go to crime scenes, find fingerprints ... figuring out who did what and solving the mystery. It’s everything I want to do, both lab work and crime scene,” Miss Wilton said.

Her mentor, Senior Sergeant at Forensic Services Peter Hennessy said: “So many (students) watch CSI and other shows but it’s not like that. This is a really good opportunity for students like Samadhi to meet people within the industry and find out what they want to do and what a realistic career would be like”.

With just over 62 per cent of western Sydney students landing full time jobs after graduation according to department of education and training endorsed figures, the program matched ambitious, high-performing western Sydney students to leaders in business, law enforcement, industrial design, politics, medicine, sports, tourism, policy and beyond in an effort to better prepare students for the workplace.

Business student Andrew Phong from Cabramatta, who was raised by a single mother and never met his biological father, is the first member of his family to attend university.

He speaks Vietnamese and can’t wait for the challenge of learning Chinese when he travels to the country on exchange next year — something that his Go West mentor Lucy Turnbull is helping to arrange.

With his sights set on a career in public service or international relations Mr Phong, 24, said he wants work to benefit his Cabramatta community.

“I’d like to pursue a career in public service and Lucy has been incredible with directing me to the right position,” he said.

“I want to be the discernible proof that with hard work and persistence, anything is possible.

“Through mentorship you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs from industry leaders who’ve been there and done that. For them to be in your corner giving you the nuances of what to do and what not to do I think it’s priceless.”

Mrs Turnbull told the Daily Telegraph: “I see the role of being a mentor as being a sounding board and talking Andrew through how he sees his future, what he thinks his options are, pathways for how he thinks he might be able to achieve his goals and dreams.”

“The Go West campaign is a very important tool for championing all the capacity, all the genius all the talent that is in western Sydney and how people like Andrew — these super talented people — live in western Sydney which is a powerhouse for talent and capability and ideas,” she said.

Editor of the Daily Telegraph, Chris Dore, said the Go West mentorship program was borne out of the critical need to give young graduates better prospects for winning jobs. “Not everyone goes to university with established networks and the right connections to lead them on to career success. We are driven to help level the playing field so our brightest students have every chance of achieving their potential.”

Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown who is also mentoring Mr Mr Phong said: “Andrew is a force of nature — He’s the face of Australia’s future.”

The Go West mentorship program students are the faces of Australia’s future.

Many are the first in their family to attend university and the mentorship scheme aims to put some of Australia’s most powerful people in their corner.

PwC Sydney managing partner Joseph Carrozzi, NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg, Rugby League World Cup chief Andrew Hill, Harvey Norman chief operating officer John Slack-Smith, Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Danny O’Connor and senior executives from Channel 7, Commonwealth Bank Tourism Australia and RAMS as well as the office of the Opposition Leader, Luke Foley, are among dozens of industry, political and community leaders who stepped up to be a part of the Go West Mentorship.

Said Professor Jonathon Allen, head of The Academy, Western Sydney University’s extension and leadership program, “It’s been a privilege to hear from some of the students on The Daily Telegraph Go West Mentorship program, and how their mentors have helped them navigate their future, opening up new possibilities and directions they hadn’t necessarily considered. “Students have expressed how they’ve gained confidence and feel more empowered through meeting with their mentors and the new connections they’ve provided them with.”

He added: “There’s something special about Western Sydney and our students know it — they’re proud of their heritage and homes, and have a global view. They are aspirational change agents, caring and considerate, and grateful for the opportunities presented to them.”

Industrial design student James Wesley, 24, from Glossodia, landed a 12-week- internship with Harvey Norman through the Go West mentorship program.

At the retail giant, Mr Wesley has experienced different departments and shadowed key individuals. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get out of university and meet people in the industry. When you’re studying, you’re learning in the context of being there, but that doesn’t always translate to what it’s like in the real world,” he said.

“With my mentors, it’s great to have someone to bounce ideas off, someone high up in an industry that I can talk to and use as a sounding board.

Mr Wesley has also been mentored by The Works creative agency founder Kevin Macmillan.

“Kevin is great to talk to. He gives me advice about professional development and how to present myself to others, ideas and innovation, building online portfolios and has encouraged me to create a video series of my designs.”

Mr Slack-Smith said the retail giant’s graduate program and strong partnership with TAFE was part of its mission to mentor and encourage young people into the business.

“Young people have something that is unique and infectious,” Mr Slack Smith said. “They are optimistic, willing to learn and are enthusiastic about what their future careers will hold. It is my responsibility to channel this enthusiasm into a direction that will provide them challenges and fulfilment in their career.

“It is never a waste to give support to other people as I always learn something about myself along the way. As leaders it makes good business sense to be tapping into the potential of our future generations.”

Jon Black, Managing Director, TAFE NSW said he was“proud to see TAFE NSW students reap the rewards of the Go West mentorship program”.

“Opportunities such as these demonstrate the excellence in vocational education and training TAFE NSW provides for our students and the dedication of our industry partners to assist them in achieving success.”

For 18-year-old Tamara Goggi, becoming a personal trainer is the ultimate dream. The NSW TAFE student has kickstarted her career under the guidance of NRL legend Anthony Minichiello and GWS Giants Chief Executive Dave Matthews.

She was given a private tour of the Sydney Roosters and shown their extensive training program and invited to participate in an upcoming training session with the GWS women’s AFL side.

“This was an amazing experience,” she said.

“Both ... were different, but they have definitely made me more excited to take part in this program and get a head start on my future. I can’t wait for what’s to come.”

Mr Minichiello said the program gives young kids real experience.

“Project Go West gives kids from our west who may have experienced different things an opportunity to follow their interests. It can provide them with a real pathway and valuable knowledge.”

“Mentorship is worthwhile for everyone. No matter how old you are, you look up to people. If you are interested in a particular field and are placed with someone experienced in that field, someone who knows what they’re talking about, then that’s extremely valuable.”

22-year old business student Sanjaya Thapa, from Camden, has been taken under the wing of one of PWC’s leadership team.

Said Mr Coruzzi: “The mentoring program is a great opportunity for students to understand the ‘job search’ process, to understand the variety of options they have and, importantly, to build confidence in themselves.

“Employers like PwC want to hire great people — this means great skills and personality”.

Mr Thapa, who hopes to be successful in property asset management, is also being mentored by News Corp’s National Head of Research Matt Gower.

“I have been coaching him on how to approach interviews and providing him with some insights in to the property industry as this is where his career aspirations lie,” said Mr Gower

“I’ve enjoyed being a mentor and I look forward to assisting him with any help he needs in the future.”

Mr Thapa said he felt incredibly lucky to be involved in the program “It’s a great opportunity. It is something I’ll be grateful for in the long term.”.

- additional reporting Jocelyn Airth