Students in our Year 10, 11 and 12 Preston class are currently participating in a work experience program

In the three years leading up to Year 10, students in our Preston support class studied Work Education in the classroom. However, this year they are actually experiencing the real workplace through our faculty's work experience program which offers students an additional activity to help them develop skills and gain insight into the nature of adult working life.

Our current Year 10 students, Tyler, Yianni, and Mario recently began the long-awaited work experience program (independent placement), at a couple of local mechanical workshops.

Also while Year 11 and 12 students are already well acquainted with work experience from previous years, they are also getting insight into workplaces in our local area. Student Lowrey is in a local supermarket (independent placement), while students Alex and Lily are also at a local supermarket, supported by our SLSO, Ms Hay.

Students have so far reported positive feedback saying that every Thursday they get to try and work on different and very interesting things for example those doing work experience at mechanical workshops have learnt to change car tyres and oil. 

In Mario’s own words: “The best day ever!”

Work Experience provides students with many benefits such as:

· An opportunity to explore first-hand the world of work

· Insights into what a job involves – gain job ready skills and knowledge

· Structured, hands-on experience

· Practice industry-specific skills

· Confidence in their ability to learn and become competent at new tasks

· An opportunity to demonstrate commitment and reliability

· Opportunity to collaborate

· Problem solving and time management

· A chance to demonstrate how they can contribute to a work environment

· Work/life skills, such as communicating effectively and working in a team

· Prepare for life after school

· Be inspired about new work opportunities

· Develop connections and networks

Happy learning and great success to all Preston students!