Pathways and Performance

​Getting Ready for the Future: My Experience with the RAW Program

Taking part in the RAW (Ready, Arrive, and Work) program was an eye-opening and rewarding experience. Over the course of three days, we were introduced to practical skills that will help us prepare for the workplace and life beyond school.

On day one, we kicked things off with a fun icebreaker to get to know our teachers and classmates. It created a comfortable environment right away. We played games that taught us the importance of teamwork and communication, then spent time reflecting on our short- and long-term goals. Using the SMART method, we wrote out clear, achievable steps for our future—something I found especially helpful.

The second day was all about building job-ready skills. We completed fun team activities before learning how to write professional resumes and search for jobs effectively. We also explored the differences between TAFE and university, which gave us a better understanding of our education options after school. The day wrapped up with another fun game, bringing out everyone’s competitive side while reinforcing what we’d learned.

The final day was all about creativity and confidence. We began with a quick game to get us thinking, followed by a challenge to create a professional interview outfit under an $80 budget. It was fun and practical at the same time. Then came the highlight of the program: a Shark Tank-style business pitch. In teams, we developed original business ideas, made posters, and presented them to our teachers acting as investors. It was nerve-wracking but exciting, and it really helped us build our public speaking and teamwork skills.

Article written by Anna Youta (Year 9)