OREANDA-NEWS. September 14, 2015.  National Australia Bank (NAB) is set to inspire 150 local Victorian high school students through a unique work experience program, Work Inspiration.

NAB will give students around Victoria the chance to participate in an action-orientated program to help students prepare for their future careers.

NAB, in partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians and The Smith Family, is redesigning traditional work experience programs to inspire and add real value to young people, with benefits realised for both business and students. Work Inspiration is transforming a student’s first career experience to ensure it is meaningful and ignites their enthusiasm for the real world of work.

As part of the program, Victorian students will get a preview into the working world, completing activities that help them think about the changing landscape of careers. During the three day program, students receive career insights and mentoring from employees of NAB and discover more about themselves in the process.

Rebecca Kotow, NAB Head of Social Impact and Community Investment, said the program gives students an edge in an increasingly competitive job market, opening up crucial networks and uncovering opportunities.

“In order to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce, young people need access to mentors who are already engaged in meaningful work. We believe in helping to realise the potential of Australia’s young people which is why NAB is around partner take part in such a worthwhile program. It’s the change that the traditional work experience model needs to gives students more meaningful opportunities than just fetching coffee and photocopying.

“We are excited to host students at our head office in Docklands, as the response to our programs around Australia so far has been overwhelming, with the vast majority of students agreeing that their experience had helped them think about their careers and inspired them with the opportunities available to them,” she said.

Jodie McCarthy, Careers and Pathways manager at Carwatha College P-12 said she was very excited that the school had been invited to participate in the program again as it provides very real and practical insights into the workforce.

“Our students benefit from being able to connect with other business leaders and are able to see the varied career pathways and broad opportunities that are available when working for big organisations like NAB,” she said.

“The outcomes of the program for students include increased awareness of employability skills and NAB’s mentors provide great insight into what those skills are and how students can pinpoint these.”

More details on Work Inspiration can be found at workinspiration.com.au