Work Experience 

Rochester Secondary College’s Year 10s experiencing the world of work

Last week, Year 10 students from Rochester Secondary College engaged in a week of Work Experience at a range of businesses and organisations within the district. 

RSC sets aside a dedicated week in Term 3 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.' said Acting Careers Pathways LT, Mrs Wendy McKenzie. 

'We have had students working within a broad range of industries including trades, education, health, community services, natural resource management, hospitality, manufacturing, and more.’

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.’ said Paige who had placement at Shine Bright Kindergarten in Elmore. 

‘I’ve enjoyed the variety of experiences I’ve had working with Rochester Community House.’ said Chelsea. ‘I’ve spent time with one of the counsellors, made a display to promote being active, and volunteered alongside people at Food Share.’ 

Ziva Windridge – who had her placement at Rochester Tyre Service - would like to drive trucks in the future. She saw the experience of dealing with tyres as something she might come to use in her future occupation.

Students have also 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 and Meg Harding’s experience with Luke Ryan Real Estate has been 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. While Year 10 is local, our Year 11s all completed a week of work experience in Melbourne at the start of the term.’ Wendy McKenzie said.

'We are proud to be able to offer Work Experience for all year 10 students and are grateful to have strong community connections that allow this to happen.' said RSC principal, Mr Matt Koutroubas. ‘We look forward to continuing to strengthen our community connections in support of this annual program in the coming years.’