PATHWAYS REPORT

Lachlan Jones - Price Merrett Consulting

I worked alongside Jack Betts at Price Merrett Consulting where I worked as a surveyor for four days. The main jobs we were doing that week were levelling runs for new irrigation controllers in the channels. I also did a bit of GPS work using a base station and a rover to collect data on the level of the ground around the canal at St Mary’s and the grain bunkers at Woorinen Emerald Grain.  I had a great time working for Andrew and alongside Jack and the rest of the team.

Bodhi Kelly - Movement Training & Central Mallee Health

Both days with Milly Opt’Hoog at Movement Training included home visits for elderly, gym sessions for strengthening + rehabilitation and fitness classes for those who just needed some exercise. During my time at Movement Training I enjoyed meeting many new people, listening to some unbelievable life stories and working on communication/interaction skills. Being an Exercise Physiologist is something that interests me due to the fact that you're helping people recover or become better versions of themselves whilst also getting out and about, not being stuck in an office all day. 

My second experience was with Central Mallee Health. I spent two days with 5 different Osteopaths which was good as I got to see the variety of ways they help each patient. Different treatment methods for each respective injury or problem clients were dealing with. I got to see a heap of injuries coming from sports which was good because I was able to relate to them and it was intriguing rather than just massage to release stress.

Both jobs I have a passion for and definitely want to do something Sports Science related.

Evie McKnight - Ubiquitous Design Studio

A few weeks prior to my work experience starting at Ubiquitous Design, I received a design brief to create a display window with complete creative freedom, allowing me to bring any vision I had to life. Before I began I was required to choose or create a wallpaper for my window. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of the Olympics, I drew a sketch of Paris, capturing the city's iconic landmarks with a dynamic energy that captured a chill laid back scene of a street in Paris. The majority of the week consisted of me working on this project. My sketch was ultimately transformed into a wallpaper, which was then printed and installed. I used the app SketchUp to create a detailed 3D model of the window, allowing me to visualise and refine the design. To top it off, I was then given the chance to furnish and decorate the whole space, bringing my vision to life.

I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the world of design. The experience was incredibly rewarding and has deepened my appreciation for the field. I am grateful for the chance to learn from such a talented mind and am thankful for the support and guidance provided. This experience has been insightful, and I look forward to applying the insights I've gained in my future endeavours.

Ava Crow - Swan Hill District Health

For my work experience week I was privileged enough to do a week at SHDH learning and following around the talented professionals we have at our local hospital. This placement was extremely helpful in developing my understanding of the medical field, an area that has always been an interest of mine. Entering the hospital environment with a mix of excitement and apprehension, I set out to observe and contribute to the dynamic world of healthcare. Luckily enough I was exposed to a range of different fields of health including Logan lodge, the acute ward, emergency department, theatre and midwifery.

With my sights set on a career in medicine, the emergency department was a personal favourite of mine. I was lucky to have two really approachable mentors, both a doctor and medical student who included and consulted me regularly when dealing with the patients. I was able to apply knowledge I have learnt about the human anatomy in my Year 11 PE class to assist in making diagnosis, reading scans and prescribing treatment to the patients.

Overall my week at SHDH was an invaluable learning experience and has solidified my aspiration to pursue a career in medicine. The insights gained have enriched my understanding of the medical field and I am grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to a career that is of interest to me.

Andi Meney- Mid Murray Chiropractic and Eloquent Speech Pathology

For my work experience I went to Mid Murray Chiropractic and Eloquent Speech Pathology. The experiences I gained from these workplaces gave me an insight into what these careers entail and the different areas in each of them. 

I enjoyed being able to sit in sessions with the speech pathologists and see how they work as well as seeing a variety of types of clients. It was also interesting to see how the speech pathologists interacted with the children and techniques they used to keep them attentive. 

At the chiro I liked seeing how they adjusted patients and the differences between how each chiropractor works. I am grateful to these workplaces for this opportunity.

Vaughan O’Bree -  Todd Beasy Building

 During my week, I spent my time at various different jobs Todd had going on and driving around picking up things needed for those jobs. During my time onsite, I got to use some new tools like the drop saw and a screw gun, and learnt new things like how to concrete and put up plaster. 

I really enjoyed my time with Todd and the boys and want to thank them all very much for welcoming me and teaching me new skills.

Alexander Olandezos - Kyle Steicke Plumbing

For my work experience I completed it with Kyle Steicke and did various jobs and tasks. During the week I dug a few holes in different places to reach pipes. and helping Kyle lay drains for a farm. It's very hands on work out and I really enjoyed it. 

I would like to thank Kyle and his team for the opportunity and for teaching me new things.  

Tess Thomson - St Mary’s Primary School

I had the great opportunity to go on work experience at St Mary’s Primary School in Swan Hill. During my time there, I was able to experience the different teaching styles and classes this school has. As a previous student, a highlight was definitely seeing my old teachers and observing the way that they teach. I would definitely say Year 2’s were my favourite classes to work with. I was also able to join specialist classes like music and Italian which were super enjoyable. 

I can definitely see myself becoming a teacher in the future and it is something that I will take into consideration for after my schooling. I would like to give a massive thank you to Mrs Quin and everyone in the St Mary’s Primary School for allowing me this opportunity and treating me with incredible respect and kindness. 

Blake Condely - St Mary’s Primary School

I was in the classrooms doing LSO work like wandering around and helping anyone who needed a hand, doing some one on one reading, writing and maths, and even did some teaching when I read out a whole spelling mastery lesson to the class! 

This experience was really helpful to me because I didn't really know how I felt about primary school teaching as a career option, but now that I've had this experience it has definitely become an option for my future career. 

I would like to thank everyone at St Marys for the opportunity to come and experience this, it was very helpful and I enjoyed it a lot. 

Mustafa Aslam - Swan Hill District Health

For my work experience, I worked at Swan Hill District Health in multiple departments, including exercise physiology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy. I enjoyed working with all the employees; it was extremely enjoyable. My favourite department was exercise physiology because of its diversity and hands-on activities.   

The hospital did an amazing job with work experience and I would like to thank everyone that I worked with for having me and making it extremely enjoyable. 

Izzy Angus and Emme Keighran - Seed Ability

The experiences we gained from work experience gave us an insight into what a career of occupational therapy really is. Throughout the week we participated in sessions with children and learned many skills that involve the role of an OT. We took part in school, home and clinic visits. One day we observed a physio working with children, it was very interesting seeing the difference between the two occupations. It was so interesting to witness an OT and speech pathologist work together on a no-verbal child, this is something that we enjoyed observing the most.

We learnt so much from all the professionals at Seed Ability and are definitely considering a career in occupational therapy. We are so thankful for this opportunity that Seed Ability has provided, we got so much out of our work experience week and enjoyed it immensely!