All Year 10 students undertook Work Experience during the last week of Term 2. Work Experience gives students time at a workplace to learn about an occupation or industry. They may observe others or complete tasks. It is an opportunity for them to develop skills and networks and to decide what they would like to do. They gain insights into what a particular job involves, what it is like to work in a structured, supervised, hands-on environment and to develop useful work skills that are recognised in the workplace.
Just as importantly, they develop confidence in their ability to learn, to communicate effectively and they have a chance to demonstrate how they can contribute in a work environment. From time to time, it is clear that students have not chosen a suitable workplace. This, however, should not be regarded as a negative experience. It can help them make different decisions about subject choice and future study.
An example of feedback from some employers demonstrates the benefits of Work Experience for our students:
- Is confident, will ask questions and has an aptitude for this type of work
- Is very active and enthusiastic and displayed high levels of technical skills
- Has a high work ethic and is eager to find things to do
- Was fantastic with the children and staff
- Demonstrated she can work well in a team
- Followed instructions, always cheery and keen to work
Students found placements in a wide variety of industries, including childcare, hospitality, building, architecture, education, fashion, retail and horticulture. A number of students were offered part-time positions or casual work as a result of their Work Experience week. Our Year 10s have returned to school and expressed only positive comments about what was for them a wonderful learning experience.
Here are some student reflections of their Work Experience week:
Kaitlyn Crymble (Year 10 Gold) and Meghan Wobbes (Year 10 Silver)
Swinburne University, Hawthorn Campus, Centre for Human Psychopharmacology
This centre was commissioned by drug companies to research the effects of pharmaceuticals on cognitive functioning. We got to do some behind the scenes work, we made some case report files, helped them to set up a driving simulation, counted returned tablets, and the researchers practiced testing on us in a role play situation. We didn't do as much as the researchers did, but we would like to get into this industry as it was interesting to listen to the researchers and find out what they do. This was a good experience and helped us to discover what we would like to do in the future.
Lachlan Bourke (Year 10 Silver)
Civil Engineering firm JCA
I went on site and got to do some Project Management. We went to a big residential site near Kangaroo Ground to assess the building work that had gone on and picked up on some problems that the builders needed to fix. I enjoyed my experience and would like to pursue this type of work. I would like to be a Project Manager after studying Engineering at university.
Coen Wescombe (Year 10 Silver)
Caterpillar - Clayton
I worked with the site workers with the M12 Scraper and two trash compactors. The best thing about the week was getting to work around the machines and getting to know them. They will look at taking me on at the end of Year 11 or Year 12 for an apprenticeship in Diesel Mechanics.
Bailey Marsden (Year 10 Silver)
Five Star Music - Ringwood
I worked at a music shop, selling all things instrumental. I was doing all sorts of tasks, including taking in arrivals of orders and emptying boxes. There was a big guitar wall and my job was to re-tune all of the guitars so that they were in tune when people came in to test them. It was a good week that gave me a lot of insight into the working world, but I’m not sure if I want to pursue work in retail.
