Worlds of Work (WOW)


What does it take to succeed in life and work?

Now taking applications! See below for more…

Worlds of Work (WOW) is a national FYA initiative that builds the skills and beliefs that young people need to make successful transitions into life beyond school. Over one intensive week, WOW takes Year 10 students on a journey that broadens their view on what it means to be successful in the changing world of work. This is achieved through:

  • FYA-facilitated workshops focusing on personal development and future employment.
  • conversations with employees from a number of Australia’s leading workplaces.
  • support from schools and teachers.Through collaboration young people and employees alike learn that it takes courage, imagination and will to succeed in life and work.

Worlds of Work: Initiative Summary (PDF)

http://www.vimeo.com/29073985

Applications

Schools – Want your Year 9, Year 10 or Year 11 students to experience WOW? In 2013 ,WOW will be operating in nearly every capital city and selected regional areas. To register your school’s interest being part of the program, or for more information, please email wow@fya.org.au.

Workplace partners – FYA invites you to engage with us in our Worlds of Work (WOW) program in 2013. Next year, we continue to expand, with opportunities to become involved in WOW Melbourne, WOW Sydney, WOW Perth, WOW Brisbane, WOW Darwin and WOW Alice Springs, as well as key regional areas.

The WOW program offers a great opportunity for your staff to be involved in making a difference in significant areas of disadvantage in our community. The engagement activities are short, simple, easy to be involved in and, importantly, happen in your workplace. Email wow@fya.org.au to find out how you and your staff can be part of this exciting initiative.

Want more information on how WOW makes a difference to the lives of students? Read the 2012 evaluation here.

Click here to read case studies of Aspley State High School (QLD) and Fitzroy High School (Vic).

Why?

WOW is a dynamic way of providing career development for youngpeople, providing skills for successful transitions to work and/or further study and demystifying the working world. New thinking about education understands that learning happens beyond the school gate. “Education 3.0” schools seek to connect students to the evolving world.– Cisco Systems Inc, 2011

Young people want more opportunities to experience real worldsof work. They want applied learning that connects the class room and the ‘real’ world.– Business-School Connections Roundtable, 2011

Shifts in the labour market and pathways to work highlight the need for careers guidance that responds to the changing needs of young people and the economy.– Kahn et al., 2011.

Objectives

WOW aims to promote partnerships between young people, schools and workplaces and to encourage and assist participants to:

  • develop aspirations for their future.
  • increase their understanding of their personal strengths.
  • increase their awareness of different options for work and study.
  • set goals, take up new opportunities and cope with set backs.
  • increase their understanding of what it takes to lead a successful life and career.
  • enhance and develop their employability skills.

Outcomes

From 2008–2011 WOW has:

  • inspired more than 2,500 Year 10 students to create betterfuture pathways.
  • partnered with more than 50 leading Australian workplaces and engaged over 2,000 workplace volunteers in conversations with young people about work, life and success.
  • teamed up with more than 200 secondary school teachers to strengthen teacher-student relations and explore more inspiring ways of operating within the classroom.