When you're a country kid in a small town, you could run into your next boss at Woolies.
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And Gunnedah's leaders want young people ready to make the best possible first impression.
That's why two business leaders are starting Elysian Etiquette, which aims to help boys and girls to develop their personal image, self-esteem, self-acceptance and confidence.
It comes after First National Gunnedah's Mike Brady and Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce president Juliana McArthur told the NVI in October that "transitional training" was needed for youth to be job-ready.
As part of the new program, students will learn about social etiquette, interview techniques, speech enhancement, public speaking, personal grooming and more.
Various professionals from industries such as hair and make up, public speaking and wellness will also speak to the students each week.
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The program is set to begin on February 10, and is the brainchild of Stylista Rista owner Rista Friend and Elysian Performing Arts' Ang Denman.
Ms Friend will be the program's lead consultant, and said her role was to ensure students were dressed appropriately for professional situations.
"In a small country town, the next person you see at Woolworths could be your next boss, so it's about giving everyone the knowledge and skills to develop themselves for the big wide world, because we all know it's different from school," Ms Friend said.
"Everyone has their own unique style that they need to be true to themselves.
"It's about getting to know the person individually and knowing what will work for them and for their lifestyle."
The biggest thing is getting them to embrace 100 per cent who they are and then making choices for their success.
- Elysian Performing Arts' Ang Denman
The term "modelling" may daunt some locals, Ms Denman said it was more about "getting them to embrace 100 per cent who they are and then making choices for their success".
"It took us a long time to figure out how to blend the expectation of the norm of society without compromising who you are.
"You can still be professional and still be who you are without having to fit a mould that you're not happy with."
The program is divided into four terms with eight-week blocks. Each term has a different theme, such as casual wear, glamour and fantasy, and smart casual.
It's open to only eight students in each age group - primary and high school-aged.
For details, call Ang Denman on 0467 326 237, visit Elysian Performing Arts above Gunnedah Discount Drug Store, or email ang.epa@outlook.com