by Billy Santo
Cadet Reporter for The Newsport

Work Experience. These two words can cause fear and confusion in the hearts of parents and employers alike, with children flooding the workplace and trying new jobs and ways of life, often most of them not knowing what it is to work.


But what does it mean for the students? I decided to interview four Year 10 students from Mossman State High School to see what they really thought about the work experience.



Alexi went to Gary Hunt and Partners Architecture in Port Douglas. This is what he had to say.


"I decided to choose architecture so I could learn get more background information about architecture," Alexi said.


"It’s only the first day so we haven’t had much of a chance to do much but I expect to leave at the end of this week with knowledge of the basics of architecture.


"I like working here because the employees treat me like an equal, and not as a student."


Peter also went to Gary Hunt and Partners Architecture, apparently a sought after place to work.


"I decided to choose architecture because I’ve always been interested in design." Peter said. "The work is harder than schoolwork, it’s a bit of an adjustment. The employees treat me like an equal, but they still help me from time to time."


Students went as far as Cairns to experience what it means to work a full time job.


Gabriel, a budding hairdresser, went to Platinum Hairdressing in Cairns and has already got a feel for the job.


"I decided to choose hairdressing because its creative and I like to work with hair. The employees have been treating me like I'm a student but that’s okay because I'm still learning.


"This job is what I expected it to be because I expect to learn a lot and have fun, and I have."


Another change of pace, and another change of career as Rick went to High Falls farm, a fruit farm and restaurant in Whyanbeel.


"The first day was pretty laid back; it was like working at home on the weekends. I did a lot of odd jobs." 


But unlike most people starting a new job, Rick wasn't fazed by the upcoming challenge.


"I wasn’t very nervous. I’ve known the boss for ages, since I was a kid so I had a pretty good idea on what I would be doing. I have enjoyed work experience so far because I have learnt a lot."


These students all had different opinions on what being in the workforce would entail, but will those opinions stay the same?


Only time will tell, and our employees will be reporting back to The Newsport at the end of the week with tales of their first taste of the full time work force.