This year’s Melbourne Work Experience Week once again delivered exceptional opportunities for senior Victorian academy members, opening doors to employment they may have never imagined.
15 academy members from Bairnsdale, Mildura and Swan Hill travelled to Melbourne for a week of immersion in the state’s bustling capital, gaining both work and life experiences beyond what their hometowns could offer.
The week officially kicked off with an opening night dinner on the Yarra River, where academy members and a host of Clontarf partners came together. The dinner served as an invaluable opportunity for the boys to begin building relationships with their hosts before work placements commenced on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday started with an early wake up call as the boys navigated Melbourne’s streets, getting to grips with the tram network and the city’s layout. Learning to move around the city independently was an essential part of the experience, as work placements were just one aspect of the week. The boys also honed vital life skills, such as cooking, with Cajun Chicken Pasta winning the title of the best dish – a testament to their newfound culinary prowess!
The academy members engaged in a diverse range of work experiences, from painting the MCG with Programmed to building roads with Fulton Hogan, and working in the corporate offices of Reece. The week culminated in presentations where the boys shared their key learnings and aspirations with the corporate partners, an exercise in public speaking that pushed them beyond their comfort zones.
But the week wasn’t all about work. On Wednesday night, the boys were welcomed into Fox Footy to watch a live recording of AFL360, where they met stars like Jordan Lewis, Jack Riewoldt and David King.
On the final day, the group toured HMAS Cerberus, the Navy’s training facility for new recruits – a visit that sparked fascination and inspiration among some of the academy members.
A special thanks goes out to our dedicated academy staff and the Clontarf partners who made this Melbourne experience truly unforgettable. Their hard work and support provided the boys with invaluable insights and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
