For some Indigenous students, choosing a career has just been made easier

Choosing a career path can be difficult so being exposed to different career options early in your life makes that choice much easier. This was the case for 47 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander year 11 and 12 students who participated in the annual Work Exposure with Government Programme (WEX) held over four days in March of this year.

From all across the country, they were brought to Canberra where they learned about the Australian Parliament, working in the Australian Public Service, and were exposed to a range of career opportunities available in the Australian Government.

Alice from Nyngan in New South Wales was one of the students selected to participate.

“I have experienced new things during this week that will influence my career pathways in the future. The WEX programme has inspired me by gaining new skills and learning about the opportunities that will benefit me,” Alice said.

During their stay, students undertook placements with the offices of Parliamentarians and an Australian Government department, agency or public sector organisation. They participated in cultural activities which included visits to the Australian War Memorial, Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. 

They spent half days at the Department of Defence and the Australian Federal Police.

“By attending the ADFA [Australian Defence Force Academy], which was one of my biggest highlights, I gained knowledge about the academy and more than ever I am confident in pursuing my life-long dream of being a doctor in the army,” Mary from the Northern Territory said.

The programme is also designed to build aspirations within students to undertake further study and pursue a career in the public sector. It provides opportunities to meet influential and inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people already working in the public sector and it increases the students’ network of contacts.

Programmes such as this don’t just provide opportunities to network and explore career options; they often provide unique experiences for the individual.

“I became emotional because I finally saw myself as equal to those around me, not more and not less. I believe this is important especially in career opportunities because sometimes the difference between you and someone in a high position, for example, is simply knowing who you are. You need the motivation and to set goals, not to restrict yourself,” Amelia of Grafton, NSW said.