Brooks High School students had an inspiring month in June as they learnt just what goes on each day at Life Without Barriers.
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Eight year 9 students from the school graduated from The Smith Family’s Work Inspiration program on Friday.
The students spent three full days doing work experience at the Rocherlea centre, learning what skills and qualifications were needed to work in the organisation.
The program was designed to give students real-world experience in future careers.
Throughout the sessions, students were able to talk about the different careers and ask questions.
Year 9 student Kaileb Goss, 15, said he loved the experience and was considering a career in the field.
“I found the whole program really inspiring becuase I want to go into a career like this because I’ve grown up around people with disabilities,” Kaileb said.
“It’s just been a great experience to get to know the people here and the behind the scenes of what they do.
“I learnt that even though the people here are living with disabilities, you just put that behind you and they’re really awesome people.”
Life Without Barriers operations manager Melinda Ferrier loved having the students at the organisation.
“It’s been really positive and the students have just been amazing,” Ms Ferrier said.
“The first day we did a personality quiz, a site tour and then one of the best activities was “speed dating” where we had eight staff in very different roles and the students chatted to them all about their different jobs.”
Tasmanian Smith Family general manager Lesley Mackay said supporting young people to make informed decisions about their future pathways needed to happen before they entered the workforce.
“Work Inspiration is all about showing students what their futures could look like well before they finish school,” Ms Mackay said.
“Working together with organisations like Life Without Barriers, we can provide young people … with the skills, resources and networks they need for employment.”