By SINTA O'DONNELL, on work experience
BRIGHT P-12 College’s year 10 students swapped the classroom for workplaces last week as they participated in work experience placements.
The program received good feedback from students, whose work placements ranged from nursing to construction.
Year 10 student, Renae Blake, worked in the St John of God Hospital at Geelong, which was arranged by her uncle Michael Borschmann, an otolaryngologist, with help from the school’s careers coordinator, Jane Mildren.
She was able to sit in an operating theatre, walk around with and observe ward nurses as well as a speech pathologist.
Latest Stories
Her work hours varied, primarily from 8:30am to 5pm or 7:30am to 4pm.
Renae believes that her work experience further guided her to a career path, or rather away from one.
“I definitely wouldn’t want to be a nurse, surgeon or anaesthetist,” she said, noting that observing surgery wasn't for her.
Fellow student, Lara Lindner, completed her work experience in Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance at North Melbourne.
To apply for the placement, she was required to fill out forms and give them some background information on herself and her dance abilities.
“Basically, I had to sell myself and tell them why they should accept me,” Lara said.
She did professional dance lessons with the Ministry of Performing Arts College (MOPAC) high school.
Lara said the experience overall was very enjoyable, but would have liked it if she was able to dance full time over the course of her placement instead of just at high school level.
“Dancing, acting and singing professionally is something I want for my career,” Lara said.
“The dancing lessons have been very hard, but good.
"I’ve learned a lot and really feel as though it’s helped me to improve.
“It’s shown me what it’s like dancing in a professional environment, taking notes on the rehearsals.”
Work experience really aided in helping Bright P-12’s students’ in their journey to future careers and in knowing what suits them or doesn’t.
As for myself, work experience in North East Media, which publishes our weekly Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer newspapers, has been very enjoyable.
I’ve done a range of things, from working remotely, in the Myrtleford office and in the Wangaratta office.
I’ve learned a lot and really broadened my knowledge of writing styles.
After being taught how to write in a journalism style I feel I’ve improved a great deal.
I love the working environment in the office, where it’s very independent yet there’s still community.
The most challenging part has been waiting back on emails or feedback, which left me not knowing what to do.
Overall, I’ve learned a lot about what suits me workplace wise and would love to pursue a career involving English and language.
