Work Experience Reflections

To help with my career pathway, I arranged to go to St Mary’s Primary School to find out more about teaching. I was fortunate to work with multiple grade levels including a day of PE. Mostly I would help the students with their work on set tasks given to them by the teacher. I really benefited from the days in the classroom with the year 2,3 and 4 students. I found these classes the best because they are still learning the basics and I could assist them a lot more than the higher grades. My breaks were spent out in the yard playing basketball and football with my little buds for the week. The highlight of my time at St Mary’s was watching a teachers vs students netball match on Friday along with running a foot clinic for Footy Colours Day. I found my skills that I use at my part time job really helped me to interact with fellow teachers and other staff. The students were so kind and all of them welcomed me, making sure I was comfortable. I think the students thoroughly enjoyed having me there to help them. This week was a great learning experience and I am now getting closer to knowing what I may like to study in the future.

Wilhelm Hawkins

For my work experience I went to WEHI (a biomedical research centre in Melbourne). I was placed in the Advanced Technology and Biology division, in the genomics laboratory. I was lucky to be involved in a variety of different aspects such an Animal and Human ethics workshop. Observation of dissecting a mouse embryo and studying that under a microscope before extracting the DNA from the mouse embryo and put it through the tape machine to determine the gender. I learnt how sequencers work and how genetic mutations can be determined. This experience has solidified my interest in biology and I definitely want to do something in medical research or a similar field in the future. My favourite part about my work experience is that I got to experience what a scientist does in their day-to-day life.

Emily Hall

Because of my interest in the Agricultural industry, I arranged to do my placement at BR&C Agents so that I could explore my interest and see if it is a possible career pathway for me. During the week I worked with both the Stock Agents and Agronomists. With the Stock Agents, I helped chase sheep, tag them and worked at the sheep sale. The Stock Agents also told me about their pathway and what they like about the job. With the Agronomists we looked at crops, observing different diseases and weeds, the damage they can do to the crops and and how the different products can help protect the variety of crops. If I wasn’t out with the Stock Agents or Agronomists, I helped in the store. Overall, I really enjoyed my week and am very thankful to the team at BR&C for this opportunity.

Krystal Donohue

For a couple of years, I have had a passion for teeth particularly orthodontic work so I chose to do my work experience at Swan Hill Smiles Dental Clinic. I observed surgical procedures, learnt about the sterilisation process and the extent of hygiene required in dental clinics, assisted the dental assistants and worked on reception. I really enjoyed observing Doctor Gary and Doctor Amshu and their advice for me in the future if I pursue dentistry. I particularly enjoyed the orthodontic treatments that they did. I loved talking to the patients before their procedure, getting to know them and making them feel comfortable. I want to thank Swan Hill Smiles staff as they helped me discover a new side of dentistry, a side of fun, community and of course brains.

Lauren Cordingley

At the end of Term 3, I was fortunate enough to do my work experience at the Swan Hill Veterinary Clinic. For several years my passion has been to become a vet as I have always loved working with animals. At the clinic I completed a variety of tasks such as under skin injections, making up beds for the animals, prepping for surgery, cleaning, working the fluid pumps, placing a cast on an animal, assisting and walking the animals. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience there and learning how everything works, why the animals react the way they do under the influence of medication, who is responsible for if something goes wrong etc. Overall, I would most definitely consider doing this as a job in the future and I highly recommend going to the Swan Hill Vet Clinic if that is their interest as there is never a dull moment. I truly appreciate how much it has helped me for my future.

Madison Le Guier

I travelled to Bendigo to observe the radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians working at High St Xray. I followed several people with different medical backgrounds as they performed procedures and attended to patients. I was able to observe the nurses and radiology technicians in a few different areas, seeing a variety of conditions being photographed, treated, or checked up on. I was placed with a nuclear medicine specialist to build a basic understanding of nuclear medicine using radioactive medicine to track the function or malfunction of the body.

Over the next two days, I witnessed a number of CT scans, MRIs, Ultrasounds, and X-rays take place. I was also lucky enough to see the process by which radiologists would treat conditions such as bursitis with injections.

I would like to thank David and all the people from High St Xray for giving me the opportunity to see what Radiology is about and I am sure that I will further consider radiology as a career after gaining more knowledge and experience in the field.

William Gilchrist

I went to Swan Hill Primary School for work experience and to figure out if I wanted to be a Primary School Teacher. For the week, I was in a Year 6 class and was working as a LSO/ relief teacher when Mr Mangameli was out of the classroom or had a meeting. I thoroughly enjoyed being in a classroom and being able to help students although they can be a bit out of control! Every day was a bit of the same but recess and lunch I spent a fair bit of time with the children and quickly became popular in the yard along with Austin Stanyer. My week was really good at Swan Hill Primary and I will consider becoming teacher in the future.

William Rush

Employment Opportunities

Paper Scissors Rock Hair Salon (Swan Hill) is looking for a student interested in the hairdressing industry to help out after school and on weekends. There is a genuine apprenticeship opportunity for the right person.

Please drop your resume into Ellie Carpinteri, Salon owner as soon as possible.

BB Auto Electrical are have casual work available for senior students or school leavers who are interested in the auto electrical field. This would be a definite lead to an apprenticeship for someone who is reliable, hardworking, and keen to learn more about the industry. Please contact Brett Barber on 50323259 or drop into the workshop at 20 Thurla Street, Swan Hill.

Mahers Glassworks are looking for an energetic, motivated individual to join their team as a full-time apprentice. It would be a supported job, learning off professional tradesman in a good working environment. The range of work is very diverse, from work both in the shed and out on-site fitting and repairing. If this job sounds like something that interests you, please contact Shaun or Glenda on 560321165 or email admin@mg.com.au

WHAT I LEARNT TODAY AT SMMC

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