Preparing students for life beyond the classroom is an essential component of secondary education, and work experience programs play a pivotal role in this journey. For many students, work experience offers a valuable insight into workplaces and the opportunity to experience ‘a day in the life’ within an industry they may one day pursue.
Although some schools have moved away from offering work experience, it remains a cornerstone of career development for many students, both in person and online. Haileybury and Haileybury Pangea believe that one of the greatest benefits it provides is the clarity around future pathways. Students gain practical insight into the skills and qualifications required for different roles and industries, and learn how to build essential life skills such as teamwork, communication and professional presentation. These experiences help students grow in confidence which prepares them for the demands of the Senior School years, and beyond.
At Haileybury Pangea, the Year 10 work experience program is accessible to all students, whether they attend in person or online. Students are encouraged to select placements that align with their interests or aspirations, and for those participating in the comprehensive virtual work experience program, the offering is equally as engaging and rewarding.
Year 10 student, Charlotte, has been a member of 3DArts, a Christian Community Performing Arts Academy, where she has participated in Youth Theatre and Youth Dance classes for several years.
For her work experience week, she worked with Junior Classes as an assistant with the dance and drama Grades 1 and 2 class. She says, “I have learnt so much working with the students, their families and the 3DArts teaching team and other volunteer assistants.” After graduating, Charlotte is looking to study Humanities and Languages while balancing her study with continued creative and community theatre involvement.
Keen golfer, Hank, had the incredible opportunity to work at the Australian Open Golf in December 2025, saying “it was the perfect chance to learn how a major tournament is run and to get closer to the environment he hopes to be involved in in the future.”
Hank met all his favourite professional golfers such as Rory McIlroy and Min woo Lee, while he worked on the chipping green and driving range, along with tour administration and merchandising duties and tells us, “this week was honestly a week to remember!”
Another student, Maria, recently completed her work experience week with the Good Clean Beauty Co., a Melbourne-based business known for its commitment to sustainable and cruelty-free beauty products. Maria tells us she chose Good Clean Beauty because she works casually with the company outside of schooltime. She found working there invaluable for understanding business operations, saying “it was really beneficial for me in terms of learning how a business runs. I hope to one day even open up my own business.”
Fellow Year 10 student, Felix, chose an online work experience with North West Support Services, a not-for-profit offering disability support in Tasmania. Living in regional Victoria, Felix contributed remotely by creating music therapy activities to help clients manage stress and anxiety. Although he is still exploring his future career options, Felix described the experience as “eye-opening” and appreciated being able to make a positive impact.
Another student, Jake, undertook his work experience at the ANZ world headquarters in Docklands, motivated by his interest in economics and banking. Shadowing a family friend in the Risk Management department, Jake attended meetings, learnt about various roles within the organisation, and particularly enjoyed experiencing the vibrant office culture.
Other students’ work experience explored a diverse range of industries, including education, real estate, equine services and construction.
For students who were unable to attend in-person work experience, the Haileybury Careers and Pathways team facilitated a Virtual Experience Week initiative. This program included interactive sessions to help students discover their strengths through profiling tools, explore industries through a range of interviews, podcasts, virtual tours and articles, develop key skills with industry-based modules designed to support career interests from coding to landscaping and more, and complete real-world industry projects (online), all culminating with a certificate of completion.
The Careers and Pathways team plays an essential role in supporting students throughout Senior School, offering career development tools, subject selection advice, information sessions, webinars, and guidance on university applications. Regular newsletters keep students and families informed about new opportunities and pathways, while presentations and information sessions with Haileybury alumni offer valuable insights into future career options and transitioning from school to work.
As Catherine Johnston, Director of Careers and Pathways explains, “Work experience is invaluable at a time when students are making important decisions about subjects and future pathways. It helps students grow in confidence and maturity and can even boost their chances of securing part-time work.”
Through both in-person and online programs, work experience continues to be a powerful tool in helping students discover their interests, build essential skills, and take confident steps towards their future careers.
