Work experience is a valuable experience, and I’m sure the Year 10 students at McAuley College can agree.
During the last week of June, the Year 10 cohort spent a minimum of three days in their chosen field, gaining important experience and skills as they set themselves up for their future as they near adulthood.
Students were sent out across various fields across the Scenic Rim, whether it was working as a tradie or at the local library, each student took something memorable from their placement.
For Ella Hastie, her work experience has left her with more passion for her chosen field.
Ella was placed at Hoof n Paws Veterinary Surgery, wanting a future career in the veterinary industry.
“I always wanted to be an astronomer” Ella said. “but I just love animals.”
Ella’s most enjoyable parts of her work experience were observing the consults between professional vets and clients, and the fact that she gets to do almost everything.
Her work experience has provided her with a new set of skills, ones that will be important and helpful in her journey.
“I’ve learnt how to do needle work” Ella said.
Furthermore, Ella has learnt a handful from “just watching how everyone handles the animals.”
Something that was unexpected for Ella was the nature of the workplace.
“Everyone is really chill, we’re all on equal ground.” said Ella.
In a few words, Ella described her work experience as “organised, full of teamwork, and scheduled.”
Talitha Boike had her hands full working at BDF Dental.
Talitha has wanted to pursue dentistry ever since 2022, her passion for the field stemming from when she first got braces.
“They’ve taught me a lot.” Talitha said.
In her three days of work experience, Talitha has had many opportunities and has enjoyed many different aspects.
Her favourite part of the experience was observing clients as they got their teeth cleaned (along with watching how the professional dentists did it).
Furthermore, Talitha has learnt new skills such as customer service and knowing where the dentistry tools are placed on the machine.
One thing that Talitha didn’t expect from her work experience was “that everything literally has to be cleaned all the time.”
Her placement at BDF Dental was a memorable experience and she has learnt different things that will all assist her in her journey to becoming a professional dentist.
“I have experience now.” Said Talitha.
In three words, Talitha described her work experience as “excellent, clean, and nice.”
Lariske Rossouw was placed at Scenic Rim Discount Drug Store, hoping that pharmacology can provide a good start to her future career in nursing.
“I was always interested in healthcare,” said Lariske.
Her passion for nursing had been inspired by her family.
“My auntie was a nurse, and my grandma was a nurse,” Lariske said.
Her favourite parts of the work experience are getting to know everyone and gaining new skills, however, one thing that she hasn’t enjoyed as much is how tiring it is.
Lariske’s placement was especially important as it helped her to gain an understanding of the healthcare field.
“It’s helped me to have an understanding of a lot of things like medicine and interacting with people,” she said.
In three words, Lariske described her work experience as “enjoyable, tiring, and fun.”
Bianca Burr’s work experience was at Scenic Rim Media, the company that owns the Beaudesert Bulletin, Canungra Times and Tamborine Mountain News.
For her work experience, she wrote this article.
She also had multiple opportunities to observe different interviews, take many photos, and she even had an opportunity to have a ‘What Bianca Saw’ column (see this edition).
Bianca interviewed McAuley College students on their own work experience and did a personality profile of a local for the Canungra Times, gaining a good understanding on what journalists do.
Bianca’s placement has helped her in various ways, and it has left her with experience that won’t be forgotten.
Written by Bianca Burr
