Publish on January 20, 2020

The Top 10 Work Experience Opportunities in New Zealand

Candlefox

Year 10 is the year where high school students are expected to undertake work experience, something that New Zealand employers are always on the lookout for.

While it only takes a week to complete, work experience means new skills that can be applied to the real world, in both the workplace and tertiary education if you decide to go along that path.

All the skills you learn can be put down on your resume, making you look more appealing to employers.

It will also show you what a work environment is like, and will give you an idea as to whether or not this career is the right option for you. But where exactly can you find work placements? Where do you even begin? Down below are the top ten ideas for work experience in Year 10 for students both in New Zealand and Australia.

1. Police Force

Learn how police officers operate by doing your work experience at a police station! You’ll observe the many situations the police face and how they handle it accordingly.

2. School

Are you thinking of becoming a teacher later on in life? Well, fortunately, work placements in either a primary school or secondary school, is a very common practice.

Even if you’re not entirely sure if teaching is the correct pathway for you, it will give you a taste of what is to come, considering it’s short-term.

3. Animal care

If you’re interested in going into veterinary science or you simply love animals, then a work placement at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter might just be for you!

You’ll learn what it takes to be a vet/animal carer while also doing something you love.

4. Art galleries/museum

Museums provide students with a unique experience that will not only prepare them with the usual work experience skills, such as customer service but will also provide you with general knowledge on art and history depending on where you work. The skills you develop here can help reel in those job offers.

5. Volunteer work

One of the advantages of volunteer work is that there is a wide variety of places you can choose from. From op shops to homeless shelters, look around and see what interests you the most.

No matter which charity you work for, it will improve your people skills and provide you with a more meaningful experience, compared to say, at an office.

6. Library

The library has tons of tasks for you to do! Whether it be sorting through books, running activities or keeping the place tidy, you’ll be working with several people to keep your local library up and running for the public.

7. Hospital

Hospitals are always looking for some extra help. Work placements here will teach secondary school students what it’s like to work in the healthcare industry, where you’ll get the opportunity to interact with several healthcare professionals and observe what happens in the wards.

8. Government facilities

For all you young people out there interested in politics, completing your work experience in a government sector might be something that you’re interested in.

Working for the public sector can not only develop your administrative skills but provide you with knowledge of government services.

9. Courtroom

This is a perfect opportunity for all you future legal studies students out there! It will give you first-hand experience with the New Zealand justice system, where you will observe the proceedings.

There are several rules of etiquette that you need to keep in mind, but as long as you follow them, observing cases, running office and administrative duties will give you insight into how the justice system works while developing your work ethic.

10. Digital media company

If you can see yourself working in media communications, web design, information systems or any of the other components that make up modern technology, then consider working at a digital media company and get a taste of what’s to come!

It’s a popular industry that can be a perfect stepping stone if you want to get into marketing and human resources as well, depending on the company.

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There’s no need to worry if you’re still having trouble finding the right work experience placement for you. There are plenty of websites that list all sorts of opportunities for work experience, and if that doesn’t work for you, then you can always speak to your school careers advisor and then place your expression of interest.

Also, don’t worry if what you end up doing isn’t an area that you’re particularly interested in. Use it as an opportunity to gain experience in something that you wouldn’t normally do!