5 minute read
Early Learning Focus
Work Experience and Workplace Learning
Each semester Year 10 students gain firsthand experience in the workplace, by being emersed in an industry of their choice for a full week.
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They learn more about a profession they may like to pursue, and have a taste of the working world. Students also gain greater self-understanding, maturity, independence, and selfconfidence. We are so grateful to the businesses who support this important and valuable program. I spent a week working with a lovely group of people at Vivid Smiles Dentistry and enjoyed some hands-on experiences and opportunities, to see what happens behind the scenes and understand what a dentist’s day-to-day tasks look like. I really enjoyed it! :: Avalon Muir My week of work experience was at the Eaton Vet Clinic. I had the privilege to witness and get hands-on with animals as small as a rat and as huge as a 50 kilogram Great Dane! I was able to engage in surgeries where ear canals and tumours were removed, castrations and even dentistry for dogs. I enjoyed a very hands-on experience while gaining knowledge in consultations, theatre as well as lab work. :: Isabella Warren
Work Experience was valuable in helping me choose what I want to do in the future. I always knew I wanted to do something handson, but I wasn’t exactly sure what. I enjoyed learning about the world of work and being exposed to what is out there. If you have an opportunity to do work experience, take it – you won’t regret it! :: Cooper Commisso,
Bunbury Precision Engineering
I was undecided about what I wanted to do in the future when we had to choose something for work experience, so I decided to try teaching. I absolutely loved both of my work placements at primary schools. My second experience was at South Bunbury Primary School. I worked with Year 2 students, helping with small groups, reading and lots of gluing and cutting! It was incredible to see the difference between each student, their personalities, and the friendships that work in the class. My experience helped me solidify my thoughts of what to do with my life. :: Georgia Franklin Being from a farming background, I always knew that I wanted to do something handson. The Workplace Learning Program in Year 10 gave me the opportunity to learn about the world of work and helped me realise that I want to be a heavy diesel mechanic. I was lucky the School helped me start a School Based Traineeship where I went to work one day a week and got paid for it! One day became two and I gained a huge range of experience that will lead to getting an apprenticeship. I really recommend the VET program at our School, it has been the best thing about school so far!
:: Benjamin Hallett
Meet the Team
This year Mrs Jenelle Commisso joined the VET and Careers team while Mrs Belinda Walker is on leave. 2021 was a very successful year with many students gaining apprenticeships and employment as a direct result of being involved in the VET Program. Meet the team who helps our VET students find their way.
Mrs Jenelle Commisso
What is the purpose of VET in schools?
VET offers students a different option to ATAR. It provides hands-on, practical courses that lead to a Certificate qualification, and can offer a different pathway into university. Students can undertake work placements to gain a greater understanding of different industries to help them decide what they may like to do when they leave school.
I love watching the students being engaged at school, as they are taking courses that interest them. It is fulfilling to see them gain employment when they leave, because of the course or experience they had.
How do students decide what VET course to take?
Firstly, we suggest they get some career advice. This could be from parents, friends, teachers, or people from the industry they are interested in. They are then more informed on what course they should undertake and options to be involved in a particular industry. We also talk with the students about their interests and make suggestions on different areas they may be suited to.
Are the VET courses taught at the School?
Yes and no! We facilitate some courses such as Music, Sport and Business. Other courses are taught off campus at the Bunbury Regional Trade Training Centre, TAFE or sometimes online.
How can do students enrol in a VET course?
Come and see us in the VET office – we love a chat! We work closely with students to help them find the course/s that are right for them.
Ms Cathy Elliot
Seeing our students gain confidence in themselves along with experience in the workplace that eventually leads to the start of their careers or helps them gain entry to university.
What is the Workplace Learning Program (WPL) and why should students be involved?
The WPL program involves students working a day per week with a business or industry they would like to gain handson experience in. It is open to students from Year 10 onwards and they usually try a different workplace or industry each term to help make informed decisions for future career pathways. Students who participate in the WPL program often have a clear intent of their chosen career so gain meaningful employment quite quickly when they leave School. WPL students also have an advantage over their peers when applying for jobs or apprenticeships, as employers prefer to hire people who have a better understanding of the job, and they have skills and experience from their previous work placements.
Roughly, how many businesses do you work with as part of the WPL program?
Over the years we have had over 1,000 businesses assist with our work experience and workplace learning programs. Some have been a once off placement but we have many businesses who have hosted multiple students, all of which we are greatly appreciative of!
