National Australia Bank (NAB) is joining with local enterprise to offer ACT senior school students an opportunity to start planning for life after school this week, as they take part in a unique work experience program, Work Inspiration.

NAB, in partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians and The Smith Family, is reshaping work experience programs with a new model that meets the needs of both businesses and young people. Work Inspiration aims to transform work experience to ensure a young person’s first taste of life outside of school is meaningful and inspiring.

As part of the program running from 6-8 August, 18 local secondary school students will undertake a series of activities to prepare them for the workforce. Students will receive career insights and mentoring from employees of NAB and the National Gallery of Australia.

Rebecca Kotow, NAB Manager Education and Community Engagement & Giving, said the program allowed the students to think more broadly about what opportunities await them once school is over.

“Young people need to be inspired by the workplace and gain a clearer picture of work directly from employers and employees.

“That is why NAB is pleased to take part in such an important program to ensure work experience is worthwhile for young Australians. The response to our programs so far has been overwhelming, with 80% of students agreeing that their experience had helped them think about their careers, inspired them with the range of options and learn how careers develop,” she said.

Lora Bance, Careers Coordinator at Brindabella Christian College, said that the program will give students the opportunity to make vital contacts within local industry and start thinking about their future.

“Participating in this program will give students access to mentoring and expertise that they haven’t yet experienced. The opportunity for our young people to think about their interests and skills and better understand how to make best use of these gifts is exciting,” she said.

The three-day Canberra program will include a series of facilitated workshops, including a behind-the scenes look at NAB and the National Gallery of Australia. Students will complete
a series of exercises to discover more about themselves, highlighting their strengths and interests and matching them to potential future roles.

More details on Work Inspiration can be found at workinspiration.com.au