Careers Quest: Striving Towards An Amazing Future

It’s midday at the RSPCA, and students of Cire Community School’s Yarra Junction campus are inspecting the animals’ living conditions with the RSPCA’s education officer. Some students are listening avidly; others are watching the animals snuffle around their enclosures. Most have been doubtful of their career options, unsure of their capabilities and indifferent to opportunities that they believe won’t be available to them.

Yet as the students visit the barn areas and hear about the different roles available at the RSPCA, their eyes begin to light up. Staff describe their career pathways and, listening to the stories, hope blossoms. Who knows how many future animal cruelty inspectors are in that class? How many animal carers, veterinarians,  nurses, cleaners, or administrators?

‘I want to volunteer here when I am older because I think I could make a difference’ – a future Education Officer?

The RSPCA wasn’t simply an animal hospital that day – it provided food for thought, and hope filling the minds and hearts of the listeners. It began to challenge their understanding of the prospects for their futures.

‘There’s not going to be anything for me when I leave school.’

These heartbreaking words are growing more common from young people. Many are now concerned about simply finding a job to accept them when they’re 20, much less long-term skills they want to develop for a career.

This is where Cire’s Careers Quest program comes in, championed by teacher Stephanie Cummings at Cire Community School’s Yarra Junction campus and funded by Matana Foundation, here to prove that there’s nothing stopping our young people from discovering their dreams – and following them. Through the program, the Year 5 and 6 students were exposed to a scope of opportunities and hands-on learning within the community, culminating in a Careers Expo entirely planned and executed by the same students.

‘This was inspirational’ – a future Emergency Services Worker?

Many of our young people have disengaged from their education at one point or another – or many times before coming to Cire. A diverse group, each have faced obstacles and challenges in their school journey thus far. Many have not felt seen or understood, much less believe that they’ll achieve success. The program aims to open the minds of young students to reclaim their dreams and potential, for it is they who need this exposure and opportunity more than ever.

What was the program all about?

Over 6 months, junior students at Cire Community School’s Yarra Junction campus have enjoyed a deep dive into just some of the career possibilities they may not have considered for themselves – chefs, paramedics, animal welfare officers, members of Parliament – just to name a few.

Learning experiences were a combination of excursions, incursions and industry mini-projects, all of which stretched and shaped our young people. Central to their experience was the connection with the providers. Students were encouraged to prepare questions for each visit and the providers were happy to answer the honest, creative and in some cases confronting – but always respectful – enquiries.

Racing Victoria presented the students with an opportunity to ask their questions firsthand, having prepared honest questions for the racing staff. They listened to a jockey and visited the trackside and stables to learn about the horses’ care from an equine vet. Perhaps some trainers, stablehands, farriers, or event management officers were born that day.

‘The horses were beautiful…absolutely majestic!’ – a future Veterinarian?

The animal lovers would then shine at their volunteering excursion to Forever Friends. The initiative is particularly relevant to Cire’s current cohort, many of whom are neurodivergent and hands-on learners rather than academic. This program’s lens was wide and realistic, showing the paths to positive futures and brighter prospects – lighting a spark of hope that burned brighter with each visit.

‘Finding out about DNA was really interesting’ – a future laboratory worker?

The students had to work together to solve a crime mystery set up by Discovery Science at Cire’s Monbulk campus to explore the science behind forensics. Working as scientists, coroners, and technicians for the day, the students used professional forensic equipment and used their new knowledge of DNA to solve the mystery together.

‘I enjoyed the science part of it. Examining my hair strand under the microscope was cool’ – a future Investigator?

Such experiences don’t happen without significant preparation. Cire specialises in providing students with individual learning experiences. Students researched their next visit, creating social stories and preparing interview questions so they could make the most of their session. Afterwards, they would reflect on the widening set of choices before them and the people they met.

The technologically minded found the tours at ANCA Australia and practical experience at Swinburne University particularly enjoyable. Some minds were eased at the Yarra Ranges Council offices, where students learned about Council’s Disaster Management plans, and met members of the youth team who shared similarities to themselves. The councilors were happy to answer questions before the students took over the council chambers for a decision-making session!

‘The time in the chamber was the best. I loved making a name plaque and using the mic’ – a future Councilor?

Steph ensured a wide range of careers were presented to the students throughout the program. The students absorbed the theory of perspective and colour whilst practising their own landscape water colour paintings at Lillydale Lake under the guidance of a local artist. They will soon frame their pieces and sell them as professionals.

‘This was so much fun!’ – a future Environmental Artist?

A visiting paramedic, Melissa, was surprised and pleased to be asked how she managed stress and took care of their mental health as they had never been asked that question by students before.

‘I am more determined than ever to become a paramedic’ – a future…Paramedic!

All Sorts Careers Expo

No effort was wasted. Bolstered by their experiences, the students set to work. Steph supports them from the sidelines as they plan the culmination of their learning – the All Sorts Careers Expo.

From designing signage to seating plans, creating a menu and timetable, the students did it all – even a detailed (and effective) marketing campaign. The expo was the platform to share their learning and rekindled hope with their fellow students and the community.

The proud students welcomed their families and enjoyed the spotlight to showcase their experiences and graciously invited others to share their career stories. A great many dreams were born and realised that day.

The celebration culminated in a wonderful lunch which allowed time for rich conversations amongst families and students to continue.

We are incredibly grateful to the support of the following organisations who helped our students to dream big about their future selves: The Matana Foundation, for their incredible financial support that made this project possible; RSPCA (Burwood); Racing Victoria; Ambulance Victoria; Yarra Ranges Council; National Gallery of Victoria (NGV); Education Interactive; Forever Friends; ANCA Engineering; and Swinburne University.

This is the beginning of a hopeful journey. Steph’s commitment to these students will undoubtedly extend to other areas of the school, and beyond to the wider community. It is hoped these experiences will set our youngest students on a trajectory of success that will be further developed each year of their school education.

‘There is more out there for me than I thought’ – a Careers Quest Graduate.