Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Gladstone students build career dreams
09 January 2023
Starting the senior years of high school can be an exciting time for young Australians. This is when they start to think about where their futures could take them. However, many students from families experiencing disadvantage don't have the support or the exposure to know how big their dreams can be.
At The Smith Family, we help address this challenge through our Work Inspiration program, where an employer invites young individuals to their workplace to gain a meaningful experience in inspiring career options.
At The Smith Family, we help address this challenge through our Work Inspiration program, where an employer invites young individuals to their workplace to gain a meaningful experience in inspiring career options.
Recently, Year 9, 10 and 11 students from two of our partner schools took part in the program in Gladstone, Queensland. They found out about exciting career options available to them with world leading mining and infrastructure provider Orica.
Orica dedicated 20 staff to guide the 33 students over two days. They talked about the world of work, and helped the students get hands on with some fun challenges.
During the two days, the students were able to build their career knowledge, broaden their perspectives and develop realistic job expectations for the future.
Program Coordinator, Rebecca, said “Students heard about employees’ career journeys. They saw that not everyone has or will ever have the same career pathway. You can decide how and what you can personally make of your own journey."
“Work Inspiration showed me a variety of different jobs available at Orica. It opened my eyes to different career opportunities,” reported a student who attended.
Other hands-on activities gave students an understanding of careers that weren’t on their radar. One of the most memorable moments for teachers and students alike was engineering a tower, following safety instructions, and working as a team.
Other hands-on activities gave students an understanding of careers that weren’t on their radar. One of the most memorable moments for teachers and students alike was engineering a tower, following safety instructions, and working as a team.
“Some great towers were built, and excellent teamwork shown by all. The best part is all students just loved the Orica hard hats,” Rebecca recalled.
Students shared that it was a huge success and were inspired by the fun yet practical activities.
“All the Orica staff were very engaged and focused which made the experience enjoyable,” one of the students said. “It was a great experience. I would recommend other students to attend as it will help them see a vision of your future.”
As well as some popular Orica hard hats and water bottles, students came away from their two days of Work Inspiration with a new perspective on where their careers and futures could take them.
Students shared that it was a huge success and were inspired by the fun yet practical activities.
“All the Orica staff were very engaged and focused which made the experience enjoyable,” one of the students said. “It was a great experience. I would recommend other students to attend as it will help them see a vision of your future.”
As well as some popular Orica hard hats and water bottles, students came away from their two days of Work Inspiration with a new perspective on where their careers and futures could take them.
Students heard about employees’ career journeys. They saw that not everyone has or will ever have the same career pathway. You can decide how and what you personally will make of your own journey.
