Narrabri High School students ace work experience

Year 11 Narrabri High School (NHS) students Kayden Lamb and Grace Gaynor are glowing examples of work experience triumph, after getting out in the community for some real-world action.

The students had the opportunity to spend a few weeks working in town, and the Narrabri Shire Council and MJ’s Newsagency were thankful for the helping hands.

Seventeen year-old student Kayden Lamb completed his work experience rotation with the Narrabri Shire Council over a few weeks, last term.

Alongside council staff, he got to try on many hats, working at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre, with compliance officers, property services, parks, and open spaces, and meeting general manager Robert Williams.

NHS Special Education Room leader Trudi Ford, who set up the work experience for Kayden and Grace, feels that there are no limits to what kids can achieve, regardless of their ability level, and building that strength with the help of community support is both rewarding and reassuring.

“It’s so great to see our kids out there, in the world and community, building their confidence and engaging with people,” said Mrs Ford.

“Finding programs where the students are comfortable but challenged enough and excited about what they’re achieving is key.

“It’s opening all our eyes to the different opportunities out there because these special cases make us think outside the box.”

Year 11 student Grace Gaynor finished her one-day-a-week stint at Mel’s Newsagency, helping Mel with customers, restocking shelves, and completing other retail tasks.

“It has been lovely having Grace,” said proprietor Mel Richardson.

“She has done such a great job here these past few weeks and I am very proud of her.”

Kayden Lamb had excellent feedback on his experience and is already considering the direction his future career might take.

“The staff at the council were nice and welcoming, and I really felt like one of the workers,” he said.

“I would love to do work experience again or even get a job with the Council one day.

Kayden was proud of the work he did and found that working with others in the community is something he wishes to pursue in the future.

Year 11 student Kayden Lamb at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre.

“Working at the pool was my favourite job.

“I got to do pool testing, check the pool pumps, and make sure the pool was safe for the community to swim in.

“I also experienced what a lifesaver does, and we even did a practice of how to save someone in trouble in the pool, which was fun!”

The NHS Clontarf member also enjoyed being outside and working on interesting projects.

“I also liked the parks and open spaces work because it was outside and hands-on, he said.

“I helped build a ramp for NarraBRIGHT street festival and went to the airport and watched a plane take off.

“I think that I’d like to work in this area because there’s always something different to do.”

Work experience is crucial for getting students ready for the workforce, helping them understand the professional environment, be part of a team and engage with the community.

Not only does it help students to explore career options, but it also helps them develop a professional attitude, self-confidence, and independence.

Challenge Recycling, Narrabri Shire Council, Narrabri Clutch and Brake and MJ’s Newsagency have all signed on to help the students from Mrs Ford’s class with future work experience opportunities.

“Hands-on projects where the kids get to build or create something is both engaging for them and helps to facilitate learning,” said Mrs Ford.

“If we can find fun jobs out in the community that have enough structure but allow them to be themselves then it will expand the opportunities, they’ll have after they leave school.”