PROGRAM
at a glance
57
Students participated in work experience
54
Employer Champions provided workplace learning opportunities
25
Vocations were explored
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Belvin, EDMS Australia “Outstanding! I look forward to Belvin coming to EDMS to do more work experience while he's at university.” ~ Host Employer Feedback Belvin’s work experience placement at EDMS Australia was inspiring, memorable and diverse. Learning took place in and outside of the office environment, and he particularly enjoyed participating in site visits. He had the opportunity to oversee the removal of a ship from water, where he learnt about the engineering behind the operation. He also attended HMAS Naval Base, visiting the control and engine rooms to learn about the engineering services provided to the client. Back in the office, he gained exposure to software, networked with industry professionals, and designed a spreader beam to be used as an attachment on a crane. Belvin aspires to be a mechanical engineer in the future and believes the experience confirmed his future education and employment aspirations.
McKenzie, Cairns 89.1FM McKenzie was in her element at Cairns 89.1FM, developing skills in radio production and presentation. Tasked with an opportunity to create her own program material, she wrote content, selected music, and recorded song introductions and community service announcements. During the placement visit, the host employer sung praises for McKenzie and the work she performed over the course of the week. The experience confirmed her aspirations to pursue a career in media, and she expressed interest in exploring opportunities further in journalism, public relations, radio, and TV presenting.
Engineering - Fabrication Tourism Legal Studies Early Childhood Studies Architecture Science Hospitality - Services Media Hospitality - Cookery Construction Automotive Trades Aviation Land & Animal Systems Marine Science Education Electrical Education - Music Graphics/Signage Allied Health Arts Retail Engineering Hair & Beauty Office Administration Community Services
Click to hear from the students on their experience Matthew, Australian Tropical Herbarium Matthew believes his passion and purpose is science. Placed with Australian Tropical Herbarium he had the opportunity to work alongside scientists focused on research methods to identify a new species of mushroom that has been discovered on the Atherton Tablelands. His learning was structured around the teams’ research project, discovering ways to define and describe a species that will contribute to a scientific report. Working within the lab, he learnt how to use a microscope and found specimen storage fascinating. He is excited to continue exploring science pathways post school.
Chyene, Reef Engineering Work experience with Reef Engineering, Chyene experienced a lot of firsts. First time working, first time in a workshop environment, and firsttime welding. The highlight for Chyene was supporting the team to build a custom caravan. Gaining introductory knowledge and skills in metal fabrication and engineering, Chyene hopes to pursue a mechanical engineering qualification with Aviation Australia in the new year.
Work Experience Works
WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS
www.vpginc.com.au
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS (Cont.) Malcolm, J&R Refrigeration Malcolm has a clearly defined aspiration to secure an electrical apprenticeship. Undertaking work experience with J&R Refrigeration gave him real world insight into what his employment future could hold. Working alongside electricians, he visited commercial and residential sites, gained experience using tools to service appliances and supported the team with site preparations and pack downs. Malcolm was so impressed with the work, the team, and the business, he said he has set himself a goal to pursue an apprenticeship with J&R in the future. Elisha, Cairns Veterinary Clinic With a genuine passion for animals and aspirations to pursue veterinary science after school, Elisha was placed with Cairns Veterinary Clinic for work experience. She observed animal treatment procedures and surgeries, learnt about the sedation process of animals, and followed hygiene practices. She enjoyed being in the working environment and networking with industry professionals. The experience confirmed Elisha’s career aspirations, and she left feeling enthusiastic and excited to start taking steps towards her future. Sam, Hinterland Aviation Sam’s mechanical aviation aspirations took flight from his fond memories working on aeroplanes alongside his grandfather. To explore his interest and aspiration further, he was placed with Hinterland Aviation, where he learnt about different planes and engines, safety requirements and the breadth of pathways into the industry. Working alongside highly skilled technicians he enjoyed disassembling and reassembling aircraft components, and hopes this is the beginning of his future in aviation. Andrew, Schnitz Andrew strives to turn his passion for cooking into employment after school. Currently working casually at a local Kebab shop, he utilised his work experience placement to get a taste of working life in a new kitchen environment and with different menu items. Supporting the team with food preparation, cooking and cleaning in a fast-paced restaurant, he felt his organisational and time management skills were enhanced, and is confident in his decision to pursue cheffing after school. Layne, Dawson’s Engineering Layne’s heart is set on securing a metal fabrication trade in the future. Placed at Dawson’s Engineering, he worked in a large industrial workshop environment observing and contributing to the fabrication of structural projects. He said it was an amazing experience, and he hopes to secure a metal fabrication apprenticeship in the future. Atlanta, Freshwater First Grammar Early Education Centre Work experience confirmed Atlanta’s employment aspirations in childcare. She was surprised at how natural it felt engaging, empathising, and supporting the children as they followed their daily routines and feels confident this is the pathway for her. Feedback provided by her host employer during the visit was outstanding, and indicated Atlanta has a bright future in early childhood education. WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS
www.vpginc.com.au
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS (Cont.) Kiera & Lilah, James Cook University - Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine Undertaking work experience at James Cook University to explore aspirations in medicine and science, Kiera and Lilah learnt about a breadth of education pathways and professions, from dentistry to nursing to animal care and beyond. Attending lectures, they got a taste of what university life is like and had valuable conversations with medical students to get a better insight in what to expect. The students identified education prerequisites to support their career aspirations in neonatal care and nursing, and feel confident with making subject selections in their senior years. Benjamin, Boral Concrete This was Benjamin’s first experience of the working world. Placed with Boral Concrete, he gained an in-depth understanding of concreting – from manufacturing to project completion. Supporting the team with on-site equipment and concrete preparation, he enjoyed attending concrete deliveries and working alongside a variety of industry professionals ranging from operators to tradespeople, logistic workers, and administration. He said he felt good to be working and it made him realise he’s ready to secure a casual job while he finishes school. Elijah, Tormay’s Air & Ice Elijah is eager to pursue a trade after school. Placed with Tormay’s Air & Ice, he had the opportunity to experience an electrical and refrigeration trade. He found the working environment stimulating and confirmed his aspirations to secure practical, hands-on employment in the future. He learnt new skills cleaning and servicing air conditioners, welded for the first time, and attended residential sites across Cairns to support the team. William, WharfONE Café Undertaking work experience at WharfONE Café to explore aspirations in hospitality and cookery, William enjoyed being in a fast-paced kitchen environment, where everyone had clearly defined tasks and duties in order to achieve workflow efficiency. The experience helped boost his confidence in the workplace, and he looks forward to continuing to explore his post school aspirations. Steele, Punjabi Nights Work experience at Punjabi Nights was an opportunity for Steele to build employability skills and strengthen his resume portfolio. He enjoyed being in a working environment where he undertook general shop keeping tasks and duties, including restocking, customer service, cash handling and cleaning. Steele hopes to secure casual employment in the near future and is confident the experience will enhance future prospects.
And here's a snippet of the amazing Employer feedback... Naomi was a pleasure to work with. She took initiative when seeing out tasks and was eager to learn. Fiona was very helpful around the clinic. Lilah was a pleasure to have for the week.
Patrick was a pleasant young man, and was attentive to all tasks.
Ruby was an absolute delight to have with us. The students adored her. WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS
www.vpginc.com.au