Remember the days of the traditional one week work experience placements? The Smith Family is turning this idea on its head in an attempt to provide a more intensive and fulfilling experience for young school leavers.
Part of TSF Learning for Life program, the new initiative is called ‘Work Inspiration’ and Arup was proud to recently partner with them to pilot the program.
On Monday 25th March, Arup’s Brisbane office played host to roughly 15 high school students in a program which – borrowed from an idea that has been working successfully in the UK – looks to partner students with corporates to provide an intensive and fulfilling work experience ‘experience’ – work inspiration!
Rather than undertaking the standard one week placement as is common in high schools across the country, this focuses on condensing that experience into just a couple of days with students completing a range of activities to help provide guidance and direction for their post-school lives. In particular students are encouraged to have ‘career conversations’ with people from a broad cross-section of professions and industries.
TSF partnered with Arup to help provide a greater level of professional exposure for the students.
“Over several hours, students heard from six Arup staff who provided insight and background about not only what they do with Arup now, but how they came to be doing what they do,” said Arup’s Rebecca Miller.
“The overall message of the day was that career paths aren’t always straight forward, it’s ok to change your mind, but try to focus on doing something you enjoy.”
A video of the pilot featuring a number of Brisbane Arupians* can be found at: http://youtu.be/7lv_5yc26MI
*Many thanks to Anna Timings, Paul Wallis, David Skinner, Megan Caldwell, Will Spraggon, Marissa Powell and Lisa McKinnon for sharing your experiences.
