From June 20-24, 2016, year 10 at The Henry Lawson High School completed their first block of work experience. I spent my week at The Grenfell Record. Throughout the week I learned lots about how a newspaper is made, and what processes go into putting out the Grenfell Record every Wednesday and Friday.

As a part of my work experience I conducted interviews with other work experience students around Grenfell. I asked the students whether they were enjoying their week, what duties they had been performing, what they had learned and what their favourite part of their week was.

Aiden Skinner and Sarah Knight both did their work experience at the Grenfell MPS. I asked them how they were finding their week at the MPS and these were their responses-

Sarah said- “I am definitely enjoying my week! I was a bit concerned about what I would be doing, but I've been really enjoying it.”

I asked Aiden and he said- “I went in very unsure of what it would be like. I didn't know how it would go, but it was definitely better than I expected.”

“We've been making a lot of beds, dozens of them! We have been helping to get people up in the morning, helping to shower and dress them, helping with meals, walking people around and just being a companion to the residents.”

Aiden said he enjoyed learning about different medical procedures, such as how to do an ECG, how the MPS is run from a business perspective and how to steer a wheelchair without crashing into walls.

Sarah said she enjoyed learning about how things work at the MPS and the level of care given to the residents. She also said that she now knew how to interact with the elderly, and how to make a bed really quickly.

Finally I asked them what was the favourite part of their week at the Grenfell MPS.

Aiden said- “My favourite part was talking to the different people and hearing their stories in ‘reminiscence hour’. I also liked playing bingo with the residents and meeting all of the nurses.”

Sarah said- “My favourite part was getting to know all of the residents and being able to feel confident in what I do.”

Abbey Joyce completed her work experience at DA Yates Photography and Design. In my interview with Abbey she said-

“I’m enjoying learning about Denise’s job and workplace, customer service and communicating with clients. I have been doing website content reviews, matting photos, portrait viewings, frame consultations and answering the phone. I have learned how to use a manual camera with studio lights, printing, editing and design. I have also learned good communication skills and how to deal with clients. My favourite part of my week was learning how to use the studio and camera, learning about software, design and editing and being able to complete tasks.”

Ziyin Xia did three days of work experience in the engineering department at the Weddin Shire Council. I asked Ziyin about her three days, and her reply was-

“I enjoyed my time at the Council, there was a lot of talking and looking at the engineering of roads and bridges. I have been working out time sheets to see how much workers are paid, talking about procedures, learning how to respond to letters, learning how to start a project and all of the paperwork and documents you have to fill out before you can start. I also went out with the engineers to look at machinery and construction sites. I have learned that engineering isn’t just about drawing, there are lots of things involved including lots of paperwork and software. I learned about the council and what’s involved with running the Shire. Everybody was really nice at the office. I enjoyed seeing how the engineers worked and gaining experience.”

Ziyin also completed two days at Jan Parlett’s Country Experience. She said that she liked working at Jan Parlett’s because it involved lots of hands on work. She enjoyed learning how to set up the shop and how to dress windows. Ziyin also enjoyed learning about customer service and retail.

Tarlia Cotter completed her work experience at St Joseph’s Primary School.

“I am enjoying my time at St Joseph’s because I enjoy working with children and learning from the teachers. I have been reading with the students, helping with group activities, helping on duty, assisting with written tasks and completing library loans. From my week at St Joseph’s I have learned that it would be fun to be a primary school teacher. I have also learned what’s involved with being a teacher and how to be fair in a group discussion. I have enjoyed observing the teachers and talking about learning. A real highlight has been working with and getting to know the children.”