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How do you know if a career is for you? By trying it on for size of course … even for a few days! 

That’s just what Year 12 student, Isabella Mattes, who is studying a general pathway, did during the school holidays.  

“I’m also doing two Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects, a Cert IV in Business and a Cert II in Hospitality,” said Isabella.  

After a working gap year, Isabella is planning to study photography or film at TAFE, so when she found Whately Studios through the St Stephen’s School Career Expo in May it presented an ideal opportunity to get some real-life experience as a photographer and content creator. 

“I was with Beau Whately, one of their senior filmmakers, for two days. The first day was more hands on and getting used to the camera and settings. We travelled to East Perth where we met and shot some pictures of our model,” she continued. 

“On the second day we edited those photos and also met a life coach that Beau was doing an interview for.” 

“Beau taught me about film and photography and all different aspects of a camera and the industry. He taught me that not every photo has to be perfect to be amazing. I learnt a lot from design and colour to shape and texture. You really get to experience everything and get out of your comfort zone on work placement, and overall it was just an amazing experience,” said Isabella.  

This self-created opportunity has helped Isabella expand her thinking about her post-school options. 

“I have bigger dreams about film and photography than I did before. I would really love to start a career out of this. I would like to thank Beau. It was amazing working with him and was definitely one of the best opportunities I have taken and it was even better with Beau. He made the experience worthwhile and fun.” 

Isabella’s story is just one example of many.  We spoke to Head of Learning Area – VET, Mrs Nicki Hipgrave about how work experience facilitated by our VET and Careers teams at both campuses can support our students to make decisions about their future. 

“Work experience is so valuable for students as they gain practical and realistic experience in their chosen industry. They learn the types of skills that you can only gain from a ‘real’ environment,” said Nicki. 

“We find that most businesses respond very positively to students emailing or calling themselves. It shows initiative and positive communication, which are skills people value highly in the workplace, so they are more willing to give them an opportunity. Beau was so happy to hear from Isabella as he remembered speaking to her at our Careers Expo and was pleased that we had students who were passionate about his industry.” 

In November, we will have all our Year 10s going out for a week of work experience at a place of their choosing. Nicki has some sage advice to parents ahead of this opportunity. 

“Please let the student contact the employer to ask about the possibility of work experience themselves. They are given guidance on how to do this in their Year 10 Careers classes and will be armed with an instruction sheet too!” said Nicki. 

“This goes for all students who would like to experience the world of work, as the initial communication with employers is a valuable part of the whole process.  The Careers and VET department are always happy to help with any guidance.” 

Photography courtesy of Whately Studios.