Work Experience Wrap Up

Our Year 10 students gained a lot more than just a week in the workplace during Work Experience, and in true student style, they were refreshingly honest about it! For many, it was an eye-opening experience, with one student summing it up as “it’s actually harder than I thought,” while another admitted “it is annoying… but also kind of cool.” Many also enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at workplaces, discovering the effort, teamwork and detail involved in jobs they had previously only seen from the outside.

Across the week, students explored a wide range of experiences. Hands-on tasks were a clear highlight, whether it was building, fixing, baking, or using different equipment, giving students a sense of achievement and making learning feel real. Working with others was another standout, with students enjoying opportunities to support younger children, interact with customers, and be part of a team. Being trusted with responsibility and contributing to real tasks helped build confidence and independence.

At the same time, students quickly learnt some important truths about the world of work. Many were surprised by how tiring and fast-paced a full day can be, especially with early mornings and long hours, particularly for those who explored trade pathways! These experiences helped students develop a better understanding of workplace expectations, including the importance of communication, teamwork, time management and simply showing up ready to go each day.

A key part of the experience was reflecting on what suited their interests, strengths and values. Students began to recognise not only what they enjoyed, but also what they didn’t, an equally valuable insight when considering future pathways. As one student put it, “don’t pick something just because it’s easy, do something you actually like.”

When asked what advice they would give themselves, a consistent message came through: be more confident. Many students said they would ask more questions, take more initiative, and not worry so much. Others shared some very practical advice, including “pack more lunch,” “get more sleep,” and “don’t forget food on day 2two”.

Overall, students walked away with a much clearer understanding of what working life is really like, that it can be challenging, sometimes tiring, occasionally boring, but also rewarding, interesting and even fun when you get involved. Most importantly, they learnt more about themselves and feel better equipped to make informed decisions about their future.

Tanya Notman

Careers Practitioner