Careers Corner
Year 9 Career Week
Exploring Pathways Beyond the Classroom
What a week it has been for our Year 9 students! Career Week gave students the opportunity to step outside the classroom and explore a wide range of workplaces, industries and career pathways across Bendigo and beyond.
On Monday, students visited both campuses of Bendigo TAFE, where they discovered the incredible range of study and training opportunities available to them after secondary school. From practical, hands-on learning to future study options, students began the week thinking about where their interests and strengths might take them.
Tuesday took us into the world of industry, with visits to Thales and Bendigo Foodshare. Students gained an insight into the diverse careers required to keep organisations operating, while also learning more about the important work Foodshare does to support the local community.
On Thursday, the focus shifted to careers in health, wellbeing, community services and social justice. Students visited headspace, Anglicare, Bendigo Health, ARC Justice and Yo Bendigo, meeting people who work in a variety of roles and learning about the different pathways that can lead into these industries. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to see just how many careers exist within the community services sector — many of which they may not have previously considered.
To finish the week, students travelled to Ararat on Friday to visit AEM, giving them another opportunity to experience a workplace and learn about the skills, qualifications and pathways involved in a different industry.
Throughout the week, students were encouraged to ask questions, try new things and think about their own interests, skills and future possibilities. Career exploration isn't about having your whole future mapped out at 14 or 15 — it's about discovering what is out there and beginning to build an understanding of the many pathways available.
A huge thank you to all of the organisations and staff who welcomed our students, shared their knowledge and gave their time. Your willingness to open your workplaces and talk honestly about careers provides experiences that students simply cannot get from a textbook.
Most importantly, we hope our Year 9 students finished the week with a few new ideas, a few new questions and perhaps even a glimpse of a career they hadn't considered before!
Who knows — the next generation of Bendigo's workers, health professionals, tradespeople, community leaders and industry experts may have been among us this week!]
