Message is clear: school subjects matter

Sadly, crystal balls don’t exist. Therefore, to prepare our young adults for life after school, Euroa Secondary College sends its Year 10 students out to 'try on' a career. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience their possible future vocation. The ESC work experience program, organized by the college's careers practitioner and VET coordinator Lorelle Healey, works closely with businesses who open their doors and welcome these young people within the Strathbogie region and further afield. “Work experience gives our students a chance to make the connection between what they’re learning now and what their future could look like," Ms Healey said. "When they return motivated to apply themselves in class, that’s a win for everyone.” The leap from student to full-time worker is a large one and ESC helps students to embrace the future by providing each student with skills and knowledge to handle challenging situations through specific programs such as Work-Related Skills, Careers, and Work Experience. Year 10 student Jack Sheridan nominated to work with ArborKnak tree removalists located in Euroa and found the work challenging. “It was physical work cleaning up logs and sticks, putting them through the chipper," Jack said. "Before I could do the more hands-on work like chain sawing I needed to be trained and have the qualifications, it’s all about OHS. “I am interested in doing something outdoors when I leave school and I would like to stay local at this stage." Jack admitted that he intends to finish Year 12 and would like to explore tree removal more and attain more skills because he actually likes climbing trees. Charlotte Davies chose to do her week at Evans and Associates accounting firm in Euroa, doing clerical duties such as sorting mail, scanning documents, researching, and checking information lodged with the firm. "It was fun," Charlotte said. "On the second day I travelled to Broadford to assist in auditing a real estate company and there were loads of documents that needed sorting.” Charlotte's plans for the future are to work in finance. “When I sat the Morrisby (career guidance) Quiz, I was told that I was good at analysing numbers and it made me think about finance. "I like that idea.” Charlotte plans to complete Year 12 and go on to further study and said the work experience was more than worthwhile. "It has made me more engaged in Maths and English and their importance for my future.” Veterinary nursing is the path Maddison Mace pursues. “I worked at ACE vets in Euroa as I want to work with animals," Maddison said. "While there I watched cats being spayed and a grass seed removed from a dog. "The experience made me look very differently at my own cat and dog at home.” After her experience, Maddison is far from daunted by the thought of a career in animal health. “I am inspired to continue my current studies at ESC and while there, complete my Certificate II in Animal Studies at TAFE." Maddison is comfortable with working with large and small animals and is prepared to work towards achieving her ideal job at the end of Year 12. Something more artistic was the choice of Murdoch Smith as he undertook the opportunity to enhance his interest in music at Gourley Music in Cottles Bridge, and he wasn't disappointed. “I am very keen on music and especially guitars and thought this would be a fun new experience for me, and it was," Murdoch said. "I worked in a range of areas but the best experience was renovating my old guitar. "I fixed the bridge, worked on the string tensions, sanded down and drilled new holes in the fret board - I really got into it and the owner of the business, Brent, had me under control. "Working at Gourley’s was a totally different experience to working at the IGA.” Murdoch plans to do VCE music and to challenge himself while at school. “I love my English language class and am fast tracking, it is totally different to Year 10 English," he said. “After Year 12, I plan to go to university and do something related to music.” Douglas (Dougie) Kipping spent his week at North-East Survey Design in Wangaratta. “It was something that dad recommended I did, so I looked into it, and it looked interesting," Dougie said. “I was travelling everywhere in the northeast region of Victoria, surveying mainly private land for subdivision where I used GPS and jigger equipment, did some measuring with the GPS, and helped mark out areas. "Now I realise how important it is to have English, Maths, and Science and the confidence to do research in this area. "When you write a survey report people are depending on that report to be correct and make sense.” One area Dougie did not foresee is the amount of time needed to be spent in the office. “Being outdoors is where I see myself, more hands on, I liked the work," he said. "I did look at engineering after doing a gap year but I’m still not sure after VCE.” ESC principal Anna Eddy agreed that students returning from work experience had an 'invaluable' shift in their perspective. "One of the most powerful messages they bring back is the realisation that what happens in the classroom really matters," Ms Eddy said. "They now see that every subject, every skill, and every lesson is preparing them for the future they want to create." She said the work experience program would not be possible without the help and support shown by the businesses and the employers towards Euroa Secondary College students and that the experience was appreciated deeply along with the sharing of the time, expertise, and guidance given.

Message is clear: school subjects matter

What a colourful life!

Closing the book on the 2025 Premier's reading challenge

Nobody slips through

Strathbogie schools celebrate Children’s Book Week

Learning is power

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories