Work Exposure in Government - a virtual experience

In 2020, the annual Work Exposure in Government (WEX) program was a virtual experience for Indigenous students.

The first WEX Virtual ran from May through to November last year. It provided students a platform to learn about opportunities in the public sector and gain valuable skills to get started in a career. 

Six Indigenous mentors teamed up with 23 students from Year 10 to University, with some students returning from past WEX programs.

WEX Virtual offered five Career Development courses which were facilitated over 5-8 weeks via Zoom. There were also regular mentoring sessions and career tips in the monthly WEX e-newsletter.

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP personally provided his insights to the students through a welcome address at the beginning of WEX Virtual and a virtual Yarning Circle at the end of the program.

The program not only offered career insight and skills, but provided students the space to interact with each other through the fortnightly Let’s Yarn series.

The Let’s Yarn series allowed students to share their stories, and connect with their culture and people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a complete transition from physical to virtual in 2020, the overall feedback has been positive and students found the program to be an enriching experience that enabled further self-discovery, learning and capacity building.

WEX Virtual student, Kirra‑Lea enjoyed being able to learn new skills that she could use in both work and home life, including learning how to grow her confidence and how to better react in critical situations.

‘I have learnt many new life skills and advice that I will utilise greatly,’ Kirra‑Lea said.

‘I have also learnt a bit more on the variety of the different departments that the government has which has made me think about my future career.’

When asked what the students expected, WEX Virtual student, Elijah said ‘WEX was the complete opposite to what I expected and exceeded my expectations beyond explanation.’

‘Incredible how I went into this program with such doubt in mind and left with what I felt was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.’

Elijah said he enjoyed his experience at WEX and that it has given him knowledge of the variety of jobs available in Government and increased his motivation.

‘WEX has made me think about pursuing employment in the government after my completion of high school.’

The successful launch of WEX Virtual highlights the power of flexibility and creating a community for students to share, connect and learn during a time of uncertainty.

The virtual program ran thanks to ETM Perspectives who helped launch WEX Virtual.