The country's crumbled economy is dependent on the next generation of job holders, but what happens when the kids can't get the work experience required?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Students from several colleges across the ACT have engaged in virtual work experience this term, using a computer program to learn policing, childcare and even medical skills.
Canberra College careers adviser Sonya Bell said placements at Canberra Hospital and other health services were some of the most highly sought after last year, with a high proportion of physiotherapy and dentistry hopefuls in particular.
"You have to kind of think outside the box. What can we do? How can they get some experience without being able to go out?" she said.
The students completed online modules which asked them how they'd respond in certain situations and practised interview skills and resume writing.
Students who could spend time in the field complimented the real-life experience with virtual work.
Year 12 students Ana Cecez and Ellie McDougall have just completed their work experience.
Ana did her first week at Mawson Primary School and a second week she did at her computer.
She said she's no longer sure she wants to be a teacher, but is sure real-life work experience is more enjoyable than digital.
Ellie will pursue a career in law and did her work experience in sports marketing.
"In Term 2 we had about four weeks where the school shut down and I continued to stay at home for the rest of the term," she said.
"I actually found it really good in terms of time management and just jumping on and getting it done."
READ ALSO:
In 2019, almost 580 students at Canberra College did work experience. This term more than 150 students have taken up the opportunity to do it digitally.
Students at Hawker College and Melba Copland College have also engaged in virtual work experience.
With organisations across the country upping their own online offering, the Canberra College careers team has used it as an opportunity to encourage them to offer virtual experiences to their students.
They've had places as far away as the National Institute of Dramatic Art teach their students.
They've had places as far away as Melbourne's National Institute of Dramatic Art teach their students here in Canberra.
Ms Bell said the lasting effect of the pandemic will be enabling future student's less confident going out in the field, to still gain some experience.
"Also we've found it really good for some students who might suffer anxiety and for some of them actually going out to a workplace can be really hard, this kind of gives them the chance to explore it," she said.