Career Focus

Why work experience matters

New Australian research shows many students are leaving school without the skills employers need. The Jobs and Skills Australia Report (2025) highlights a growing gap between education and workforce expectations, especially as technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape jobs.

One key issue is the lack of essential “human skills.” Employers across Australia are increasingly looking for communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. While academic knowledge remains important, these transferable skills are becoming just as valuable in a fast-changing economy.

Another challenge is limited real-world experience. Many students finish school without exposure to workplaces, making it harder to transition into jobs or further training. In Australia, vocational pathways such as VET and apprenticeships help address this gap by combining study with on-the-job learning. Research shows these pathways can lead to strong employment outcomes because they focus on practical, industry-relevant skills. Some of our Year 11 and 12 students are already benefiting from on-the-job training at leisure centres, teaching swimming or working in primary schools, while others are completing their Semester One examinations.

How to become work-ready

So how can students become more “work-ready”? At St George’s, our career education course, Pathways, is designed to support students in building these essential skills.

Through activities such as resume and cover letter writing, students begin developing practical tools for employment. For Year 10 students, this preparation leads to an important milestone - participating in a week of Work Experience at the end of Term Two.

Work Experience is a cornerstone of the Pathways curriculum. It not only provides valuable real-world exposure but also helps students visualise potential career pathways. By experiencing a workplace firsthand, students can make more informed decisions about subject choices in Senior School and their future goals.

As Australia’s workforce continues to evolve, being work-ready is no longer just about academic results; it is about developing the skills, experience, and mindset needed to succeed in a changing world.

We wish all our Year 10 students the very best as they take this important step towards their future, and we thank the dedicated Pathways team, led by Mrs Collins, for supporting them along the way.

Mrs Sharan Tagore

Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning