Rochester Secondary College Year 10 students took part in a week of work experience at a range of businesses and organisations within the district, from August 26 to 30.
A week is set aside in term three to ensure this valuable real-world experience is had by all students.
This commitment has meant finding local placements for 60 students.
‘’We are so grateful to the individuals, businesses and organisations who have taken our students on,’’ the college’s Wendy McKenzie said.
‘’We have had students working within a broad range of industries including trades, education, health, community services, natural resource management, hospitality, manufacturing.’’
Year 10 students Paige Simmie and Chelsea Purdy were both looking forward to work experience.
‘‘The week has been a great way for me to work out what I’d like to do in the future,’’ Paige, who had placement at Shine Bright Kindergarten in Elmore, said.
‘‘I’ve enjoyed the variety of experiences I’ve had working with Rochester Community House,’’ Chelsea said.
‘‘I’ve spent time with one of the counsellors, made a display to promote being active, and volunteered alongside people at FoodShare.’’
Ziva Windridge, who completed her placement at Rochester Tyres and Batteries, would like to drive trucks in the future.
She saw the experience of dealing with tyres as something she might use in her future occupation.
Students relished the opportunity to be supported to learn new and specialised skills from grouting and welding, to making hospital beds.
Hunter Hartshorn’s experience with Rochester Mitre 10 has allowed him to see a future as a manager.
Meg Harding’s experience with Luke Ryan Real Estate was positive.
She is keen to try real estate photography, which builds on skills she is learning in one of her current subjects at RSC.
‘’Work experience is an integral part of our pathways program that allows our students to experience an industry or occupation in which they have an interest,’’ Mrs McKenzie said.
‘’While Year 10 is local, our Year 11s all completed a week of work experience in Melbourne at the start of the term.’’
College principal Matt Koutroubas was proud to be able to offer work experience for all Year 10 students and grateful to have strong community connections that allow it to happen.
‘’We look forward to continuing to strengthen our community connections in support of this annual program in the coming years,’’ he said.