Last week marked an exciting milestone for our Year 10 students at Bendigo South East College, as they embarked on their second Pathways Week a pivotal week dedicated to exploring potential career paths through work experience and various on campus activities.

Our students from Fortuna and Shamrock houses, joined by peers from Alexandra and Rosalind, ventured into the workforce, gaining firsthand experience in a range of industries including healthcare, construction, childcare, law, creative arts, and retail. This invaluable exposure provided them with a real-world glimpse into professional environments, where they applied their classroom knowledge in practical settings. The staff seized every opportunity to visit or call students, celebrating the insights and growth observed during these placements. Remarkably, some students were even offered jobs, while others received invitations to further engage in their chosen career paths. However, for a few, this experience served as a crucial juncture to reassess their future directions.

Meanwhile, students from Alexandra and Rosalind, along with some from Fortuna and Shamrock, engaged in a variety of upskilling workshops and community volunteering initiatives back at school. These activities were designed to enhance their skills and broaden their understanding of community involvement. A notable highlight was the enthusiasm shown by students who took the initiative to become self directed learners; they completed online training modules that complemented their workshops and excursions, truly setting themselves apart as proactive and independent individuals.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Goldfields LLEN and the local businesses and industry volunteers who partnered with us. Their unwavering support was instrumental in the success of our Pathways Weeks during Terms 2 and 3. This collaborative effort not only enriched our students’ educational journey but also strengthened community ties.

The success of the Pathways Week underscores our commitment at BSE to provide students with the tools and opportunities they need to navigate their futures confidently. It’s these experiences that shape our students into adaptable, knowledgeable individuals ready to take on the world beyond high school. We look forward to continuing this tradition and are excited to see where our students’ paths will lead them next.