National Australia Bank (NAB) has committed to giving 500 senior school students across Australia an opportunity to take part in a unique new work experience program, Work Inspiration.
Against the backdrop of a changing jobs landscape in Australia, NAB, in partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) 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 exposure to work is meaningful and helps to give them an advantage when identifying career pathways.
More than 100 students have already been through the program at NAB. Today’s commitment is for an additional 400 young people to take part by the end of the year.
Joseph Healy, NAB Group Executive Business Banking, is a firm believer that every young person has talent and that work experience can help them identify and nurture their strengths.
“The world is a rapidly changing place, we need to inspire our young people about the workplace of the future and open their eyes to the opportunities available to them.
“Business has an obligation to the community to support our young people transition into the workforce – and we encourage other small and large businesses to join us in this mission,” he said.
Students who have gone through the program at NAB have said it has assisted them in thinking about their careers, opened their eyes to the range of jobs within a bank and has helped them understand the strengths that they bring to the table.
Dr Jan Owen AM, CEO of FYA, said work experience is the first time a young person will be exposed to a workplace in an industry they are interested.
“Work experience should be seen as an opportunity for us to inspire and partner with young people – to create meaningful moments in offices and boardrooms across the country.
“Work Inspiration helps young Australians transition into the real working world. This program will inspire students by raising aspirations and broadening their perspectives on future career goals.
“We are proud to work with NAB and The Smith Family on Work Inspiration and commend NAB for setting the example and pledging to inspire the next generation of young Australians in their workplaces, boardrooms and banks,” she said.
The three day programs held around Australia will include a series of facilitated workshops, including a behind-the scenes look at life working at NAB. 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
