Pupils visited nine businesses over two weeks as part of a training and education program delivered in partnership with South West Local Learning and Education Network (SWLLEN).

Students gained an insight into the automotive technology and car sales, agriculture, retail, corporate business and hospitality industries at sessions at Clinton Baulch Nissan and Kia, Jean Jail, Bunnings, the Flying Horse Bar and Bistro, Shirley and John Harlock’s dairy farm, Badeness Rural, Coastal Tyres, Crossfit Gym and South West Kitchens.

The business owners and managers explained to students what they wanted in employees.​

Warrnambool’s Trey Rodgers, 14, said he had enjoyed visiting a range of workplaces. 

“My mum and dad and I have always had conversations about attitudes and what is expected in work places,” he said.

“It’s given me lots of information on how to talk to employers and what they are expecting. All the little things add up to the big things.”

Trey said the hospitality industry had caught his eye.

“I love cooking,” he said.

“I know it’s a hard industry though. It’s not for everyone.”

Trey said one thing he had learnt was how employers respected their staff.

“They know their staff’s wife and kids names and share a tight bond with them,” he said.

WAVE school teacher Damian Farley said the students were learning transferable skills.

“It’s real-world learning,” he said.

“They are asking questions in the workplace and making connections with potential employees. We are hugely grateful to all the businesses that allowed us to come and to SWLLEN for helping open the doors.”

The students will now undertake mock job interviews to practise their newfound skills.