This year, 247 of our Year 10 students undertook work experience. Students found placements through networks, our parent and alumni community, approaching employers and via our collaboration with Inner Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network. Students worked across industries including construction, business services, design, hospitality, education, engineering, legal, marketing, music, medical and allied health, retail, sport and recreation and state government.
For many, this was their first step into the world of work and a chance to gain insights into professions of interest and to understand employability skills. Employers and our teachers, who visited most students, gave positive reports of how prepared for and engaged our students were.
Charlotte: 3AW
I assisted with producing Carey alum Tom Elliott’s Drive program, which was, without question, the highlight of the week. I worked with the news and digital teams. The staff showed a lot of faith in me, allowing me to experience every aspect of the show's production: answering callers, researching breaking news, and even writing articles for the 3AW website. This experience has opened my eyes to the thrill and magic associated with producing media programs and has affirmed how this as a potential career option I will consider seriously.
Remy: Helicraft Australia (feature image)
The company provides training for those pursuing an aeronautical career, or who just want to learn to fly. I cleaned hangars and aircraft and maintained the cleanliness of the office. When instructors were with students, I was encouraged to sit in on discussions and theory lessons. I learnt how the staff treated their customers and how the business side of things worked. I also learnt a little about how to fly a helicopter, a unique and welcomed experience. I would genuinely consider this as a career option and would recommend that others find unique placements such as the one I had.
Yushi: Biochemistry Research, the University of Melbourne
I was extremely fortunate to observe work in a research laboratory run by Dr Leung. I practised basic laboratory techniques, explored different gadgets and machinery, engaged with some experiments, and gained insights into their weekly group meetings. As a curious person, I thoroughly enjoyed the aspect of exploring and learning scientific knowledge and I appreciated how the career was a balance between being theoretical and practical, so I would certainly consider this area as a career interest. The part I loved the most was cultivating bacteria on a Petri dish.
Jack: Aspekt Construction
I worked with the finance and estimating teams, helping with reports, budgeting and reviewing estimates and progress of current projects and anticipated costs of future ones. I learnt the crucial role of the finance team in construction to ensure a profit. Being my first experience working, I developed a solid foundation of working in a professional setting, gaining a keen sense of work ethic, communication and teamwork skills.
The best thing was going onsite, seeing the progress of a project and how in-depth every detail was. It was interesting hearing discussions between the estimation and construction teams, as they reviewed the project development. Everyone was very supportive, and I felt like a valued member of a team, even as one just doing work experience.
Mila: CK Architecture
I was set an assignment to reconstruct and redesign a one-bedroom house and turn it into a house for a family of four. I had set dimensions to work with, while still having the freedom to make the building as big as I wanted. They showed me a range of apps and how to use them for my assignment. I was shown a few of the plans that they had been working on as a team, and what it is like to have a job in that workplace. At the end of the week, I had a meeting with the boss and my supervisor, and presented my assignment, which included inspiration, floor plans and the interior of the building. The experience was very enlightening, revealing how it would be to work in architecture.
Declan: Architectural Lighting
I was immediately set to work assisting the manufacturing crew to construct lighting to fulfil customers’ orders. Over the week, I became familiar with the skills and trades of the business, such as powder coating, laser welding and electrical soldering, all skills shared with me by experts with years of experience. My favourite part was getting to know the workers employed at the business and hearing their insights regarding careers and workplaces. Reflecting on this, it has given me a much better idea of what I might like to do in the future and some viable career options.
Year 10s will have the opportunity to participate in work experience next year in a varied format alongside Carey Zero.
Sophie Bryant
Career Practitioner
