Students continued to embrace opportunities to step beyond the classroom and into the world of work through Structured Workplace Learning placements across the Ballarat community.

Across a wide range of industries and environments, students gained valuable insight into workplace expectations and real-world experiences. From the energy of retail at Petstock, Officeworks and McDonald’s Delacombe, to the precision and craftsmanship of trades through Matthew’s Joinery, Buninyong Automotive, Garage on Martin, Vagg Automotive, Pave It, LJD Building and Lovett Constructions, each setting offered a unique context for learning.

Placements also extended into education and care settings, including St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies), Emmaus Primary School, St Francis Xavier Primary School, Alfredton Primary School, Ballarat Specialist School, Buninyong Primary School, Mount Clear Primary School, Jenny’s ELC, Log Cabin Camp and Sesame Kids.

Students explored specialised fields through opportunities at Alexander Racing, Parkdale Equestrian Centre, Smerdon Racing and Wyndolm Park, as well as health and wellbeing settings including Body Connect, The Running Company and Ballarat Smile Works.

Structured Workplace Learning is about more than gaining experience. It supports students to build confidence, understand expectations, develop character and discover their strengths. Across each placement, students demonstrated initiative, resilience and respect, representing Damascus College with pride.

We congratulate Aidan, Allie, Bella, Brooke, Charli, Claire, Cooper, Gemma, Hannah, Harry, Henry, Jack, Jude, Kurt, Liam, Lila, Lily, Lucy, Maggie, Matt, Maya, Milla, Milly, Millie, Noah, Pippa, Riley, Roman, Ruby, Seth, Tariana, Tayah and Tierney on the way they have approached their placements and look forward to seeing their continued growth throughout the year.