WORK EXPERIENCE: REIMAGINED WRAP UP
Unleashing Potential: The Boot Camp Redefining Work Experience
From the 23rd to 26th September 2024, Monash College City Campus hosted a groundbreaking Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy Boot Camp for Year 10 students.
Through the collaboration between sponsors Monash College Future Skills, iEllen and AFL SportsReady, the event provided an inspiring opportunity for students to gain invaluable hands-on work experience in a setting far beyond the traditional classroom.
Students from seven schools took part in the unique event: St Kevin's College, Kew High School, Doncaster Secondary College, Melbourne High School, Copperfield College, St Andrews Christian College and Bendigo South East.
This immersive work experience program, led by the talented and passionate educators Di Schmidtke, James Kernick and Douglas Dean from Monash Future Skills, aimed to equip Year 10 students with essential skills in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI) and philanthropy.
At the heart of the event was The Ready Foundation, an organisation committed to igniting the fullest potential in vulnerable young people by breaking down barriers to education and employment. The students' task: raise funds to support The Ready Foundation’s life-changing initiatives while developing future-ready skills to excel in the workforce.
A Blend of Innovation and Compassion
This Boot Camp was not just about work experience - it was about making a difference. Students explored AI, entrepreneurship and the power of giving back in a series of interactive workshops and team collaborations. Working in teams, they brainstormed innovative fundraising solutions, all while learning how technology and philanthropy can go hand in hand.
On the final day, each team presented their fundraising strategies to a prestigious panel of judges, including:
- Dr. Samantha Smith: Victorian Councillor, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Sally Powell: CEO, AFL SportsReady
- Jane Trewin: Executive Director, Future Skills, Monash College
- Caity Read: Global People & Culture Partner, Bondi Sands, and Inaugural Ambassador for The Ready Foundation
The judges were blown away by the students’ entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and passion for giving back. It was inspiring to witness how these young minds embraced the challenge, using their knowledge to contribute to a greater cause.
A Bright Future Ahead
"Regular school can be interesting but it doesn't always feel hands-on. This is totally new stuff and i get to be creative, working in a team, all involved together." Maya, Student - Doncaster Secondary College
The Boot Camp was an incredible success. The students walked away with hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, AI and philanthropy, along with a deep understanding of the power of giving back. The energy, creativity and teamwork they displayed were truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
"Compared to regular work experience, I feel like this experience is more beneficial and more capable of providing not only experience but actually empowering, giving skills and to use in life ans future careers." Zane, Student - Kew High School
With the overwhelming positive response, this Boot Camp is set to become a cornerstone initiative of The Ready Foundation, continuing to empower young people to take charge of their futures while making a real difference in the world.
We’re excited to see the students’ fundraising ideas come to life and can’t wait to host future Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy Boot Camps. Stay tuned for upcoming events where you can be part of this transformative experience!
