Work experience offers students a valuable opportunity to step beyond the classroom and explore the world of work in a real and engaging way. By spending time in a workplace, students gain practical skills, build confidence, and develop a clearer understanding of their strengths and interests. It helps them make more informed subject and career choices, while also teaching essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, and professionalism. Employers consistently report that young people who have completed work experience are better prepared for future pathways, whether that leads to further study, apprenticeships, or employment. Overall, work experience is an important stepping stone that empowers students to imagine—and begin building—their future.

Hear from our Year 10 student, Amber, who has recently found a work experience opportunity at Geelong Marine World.

Student Reflection – Amber, Year 10
While at school, I was always interested in the Marine World Industry and wanted the opportunity to see what it’s really like and I’m so glad I got to experience it. During my work experience the employers have taken their time to give me real hands-on experience and teach me what I needed to know, answering all my questions that I had along the way. Since my first day here, this workplace has been so welcoming and as well as giving me experience, they still find the time to have a good chat and laugh. I have now learned skills that I wouldn’t have learned in a classroom and that will help me in my career and outside of it. I now know for sure that I have a strong interest in the industry and I am so grateful for all the support from my careers teachers.