Left: Presbyterian Ladies’ College student Sky ditched her textbooks for a sewing machine at Spacecraft Australia during her school’s work experience program.By Lia Bichel
A SCHOOL career councillor is calling on employers to take on work experience students help them develop important life skills and determine their future career.
Presbyterian Ladies’ College careers Councillor Anne Schoonraad said work experience may be the only chance for many students to experience real-life work.
“For many it is the only experience of work they will have during their school time – some are lucky enough to have part-time jobs but many students don’t,” she said.
“We have wonderful employers who share a lot with the students – they help them as mentors, support them and encourage them to go in certain directions and we are very grateful for the workers who take the students on.”
One Presbyterian Ladies’ College student, Sky, 15, recently ditched her textbooks for a sewing machine to take up a unique opportunity at Spacecraft Australia for her work experience.
The textile design studio creates handmade bedding, apparel, and furniture for its two Melbourne stores.
Sky said it was her first time doing a work experience program and the week of work has helped her inch closer to choosing her future career.
“I always wanted to do something with art or design – that’s what I am interested in,” she said.
“I am not certain about what I want to do (after graduation) but I think I could do something like that.”
Ms Schoonraad said Sky showed great initiative during the program.
“She went for what she wanted – she looked for a placement in an area of interest and found an employer who was willing to take her on,” she said.
“I think she did extremely well and had a wonderful experience.
“The majority of the students have wonderful experiences. It is a thrill for them to see something different than school.”
Sky agreed that she had a great learning experience and has a more confidence in her abilities.
She also said, as an added bonus, she was being able to take home jewellery she designed herself. Any employers willing to have work experience students can contact the school’s career department on 9805 7872.
