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View all programs Tasmanian students explore global career paths during digital work experience
Wynyard, Tasmania
10 October 2020
It’s not every day that students in regional Tasmania get to step into a Los Angeles engineering firm, or one of Australia’s most popular radio stations – but, thanks to The Smith Family, one year 9 cohort has done just that.
Pupils at Wynyard High School on Tasmania’s north coast have had the opportunity to connect with employees from a range of businesses across Australia, and around the world, as part of the education charity’s Work Inspiration program.
During a normal year, The Smith Family program sees students visit local workplaces to interview employees about their career paths, and to think about what jobs they want to pursue in the future.
However, COVID-19 has forced Work Inspiration to transform from a face-to-face program to a digital one, with students given access to new and different opportunities via Zoom.
Global engineering firm Arup, Australia’s largest radio network Southern Cross Austereo and accounting firm Deloitte all took part in this year’s program, with volunteer staff providing plenty of interesting and informative professional guidance.
I remember what it was like being young and looking for inspiration all around me. There have been pivotal people in my life who have left a mark, and some of them were just quick meetings, but they left such an impression on me.
Entertainment reporter for Southern Cross Austereo’s Hit Network, Justin Hill, was one of these volunteers. He said he was inspired to be a part of the program because he’s had an unconventional career path, and is from Tasmania himself.
“I remember what it was like being young and looking for inspiration all around me. There have been pivotal people in my life who have left a mark, and some of them were just quick meetings, but they left such an impression on me,” he said.
“I’m honoured to think I could now pass the baton and be one of those people for someone else.”
Year 9 students Charles and Zoe were both part of the Southern Cross Austereo leg of the experience, with Charles even getting to record a promo and have it played live on air.
He said it was a really beneficial experience, as he got to think about jobs he had never even considered before.
“Instead of thinking about a trade, or professions in your own community, you got to hear about different careers.
“What I took away from it was that no matter what walk of life you’re from or what culture you are, there’s a workplace out there for you.”
I really enjoyed doing it virtually, if we did it in person we probably wouldn’t have got the same opportunities as we did to ask so many questions.
Year 9 student Zoe also got a lot out of the program, and said the whole process was far less daunting due to the use of digital technology.
“I really enjoyed doing it virtually, if we did it in person we probably wouldn’t have got the same opportunities as we did to ask so many questions.”
Students also received career guidance from Arup employees in Sydney and LA, and were treated to a tour of the California office, while the Deloitte experience allowed pupils to workshop their employability skills.
Work experience programs
Cadetship to Career
Is an amazing opportunity to gain practical and relevant experience working with a major company.
Work Inspiration
More than just work experience, this business-led initiative provides young people with opportunities to experience the world of work first hand and in a meaningful way.