Students were involved in industries like allied health, education, nursing, engineering and architecture.
They have been given a taste of what life is like following their schooling journeys.
Some of the local workplaces taking on students in Deniliquin were Deni SPOT (Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy), Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Kurrajong (in Tocumwal and Finley), River Region Early Education, Deni Car Care and South West Music.
However, some students went as far as Melbourne, including to Jackson, Clement and Burrows Architects.
Feedback so far from businesses has been that the community has been very supportive of them and the young people gaining valuable experience.
An industry very much in demand for staff in our region, the childcare industry was a very popular work experience candidate for several Year 10 students too.
River Region Early Education took on four students in the daycare section, and two in preschool.
When the Pastoral Times stopped by, Eve Meharry and Annabelle Hanns were enjoying outdoor play-based learning with the youngsters.
The two girls said they had a great week, with the main part of their work experience involving being with the children who they had clearly developed a connection with across the week.
“It’s been great. We’ve mainly been just interacting with the kids, which includes a lot of things like cleaning up after them, sitting with them and having fun with them,” Eve said.
“We’ve been here from 9am to 4pm each day.
“The hours are really easy as the kids have a routine, so it’s been pretty good.
“It’s all been in childcare or daycare, working with the teachers or educators and the children.”
It was clear to see the two students were pleased with their choice to complete work experience at the River Region Early Education Centre.
Annabelle said her experience had been enlightening and uplifting.
“I agree that the main best thing is being with them (the children) and supervising them,” she said.
“I wanted to see what it was like, and it has been a really nice work environment.
“It makes you feel really nice being with the kids who also really care about you.”
Eve said based on her experience, early education was definitely an option for her in the future.
“I wouldn’t mind being an educator or lead educator. I also wouldn’t really mind daycare or preschool.”
Annabelle said the week had given her plenty of insight, but she had developed a level of attachment to the work at the daycare side of the early education centre.
“I’m not sure whether I could handle preschool and older kids.”
“The kids here are great. They listen to you, which helps, and they help you improve.”
River Region Early Education general manager Felicity Michael said all the work experience students from Deniliquin High School had been worthwhile contributors during the week, highlighting a promising future for the industry.
“We love having so many young people interested, in early education.
“The high school are great with the early education studies they provide.”