Business Services

Business Services - Work Placement

Last week, the students from Year 11 Business Services completed their first of two work placements. These work placements take the form of a 35 hour working week at a local business under the guidance of an experienced supervisor. Students performed like salaried workers with companies such as David Davidge Solicitors, Casellas, Griffith Vet Hospital, Bunnings, Griffith Public School, Pioneers Lodge, Griffith Community Health Centre, NRMA, Griffith City Council and Cozwine.

Duties are chosen to align with syllabus topics and include communication (in person, by phone, fax and email), handling mail, operating a range of office equipment, security of records, safety and financial records.

All students experienced a broad range of activities, completed their journals diligently and received overwhelmingly encouraging feedback from their supervisors. Work placement allows for real-world demonstration of skills such as team work, initiative, enterprise, problem solving, communication, planning and organising. Often for the first time, students see a solid vision of future employment, both during and after school.

Such was the confidence these students inspired in their supervisors, they were observed writing cheques for the company, greeting and referring customers and updating the company’s database. Indeed one student appeared so at home in her role at the front desk I didn’t recognise her! All students are to be congratulated for applying their newfound skills in a real-world environment and continuing to lay the foundation for a rewarding career beyond school.

Mr Stephen Munro

Business Services Teacher