Scotch College

Year 10s experiencing work

In July 2005 during the first week of Term 3, all Year 10 students will take part in the Scotch College Year 10 Work Experience Program. The Program is conducted by Mr Ken Wheat, Head of Upper School, Dr Robert Smith, Head of Course and Career Services and Mr Geoff Wemyss, Head of Year 10 (2005) and the House Tutors. This program was announced to parents of Year 10 at the Parent Information Evening held on Wednesday, 16 February. Mr Wheat detailed plans for every Year 10 student to seek a four- or five-day placement in a workplace of his choice.

The program will involve students finding a temporary unpaid position in a workplace of their choice. (Employers pay a $5.00 per day nominal ‘wage’ to each placement.) This does not have to be in a field or profession that the student is considering for a career. The aim is to provide an opportunity for Scotch Collegians to experience what it is like to be a part of the workforce, to work on a day-to-day basis and to interact with fellow workers in a genuine workplace.

Tutors will administer the process for members of their Tutor Group and will provide all the necessary documentation to monitor each placement. During the first week of term while Year 10 students are out in the workforce, the Tutors will contact their students’ employers to track the progress of the work experience. Each student will report back to his Tutor and, if appropriate, his peers in tutorial group meetings, regarding his experience. Guidance regarding how to apply for a placement will be provided by the Tutors, Head of Year, Head of Course and Career Services and the Head of Upper School.

Every Year 10 student will be expected to gain a work experience placement that meets with the school’s approval. Two occupational health and safety tests must be passed by each student before he takes up his placement, and each Year 10 student will have reference made to his work experience in his Year 10 Semester Two Report.

In order for the Year 10 Work Experience program to be a success, each student will need to demonstrate initiative in securing a placement. The Scotch College community can help by responding positively to applications from Year 10 students for work experience. Parents, Old Collegians, or friends of Scotch College, who are able to offer a place directly to a Year 10 student, are encouraged to do so, or alternatively, contact Dr Smith, Mr Wemyss or Mr Wheat. Work experience is a vital part of a young person’s process of maturing and preparing for life after secondary school.