College pupils out to work

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 18, 29 September 1987, Page 3

College pupils out to work

Fourth Formers from Ruapehu College are out and about in the community for the next four weeks as part of a work experience programme which aims to give practical experience for the reality of work. One hundred fourth form pupils are expected to take part in the programme which sees students taking on jobs within the work force for a period of one week. Transition officer for the college Noel Shepherd, said the students are encouraged to approach employers and find their own jobs and are asked that they don't work for their parents. Mr Shepherd said the programme has been run for the past three years and has proved extremely successful, as the partici-

pants take the programme seriously. Students receive a grounding through their life skills classroom activities which are on-going throughout the year. A list of businesses and employers who have been co-operative in the past is kept by the college for reference. Students have found employment in nearly every local business including Turoa Skifields, Tongariro National Park, Borough Council, schools and day-care centres, while others have ventured further afield to ATG Waiouru, beekeeping at Taihape and in one instance, to a physiotherapy clinic in Porirua. As it is part of an educational programme students are not paid during their work week.