Virtual Work Exposure targeted towards every student's aspirations
Before jumping in to the program, we recommend having a look at the background of Virtual Work Exposure.
Virtual Work Exposure in the Australian Curriculum
According to the Australian Curriculum, students take part in work experiences to gain necessary exposure to the world of work. Work exposure opportunities allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to various working environments. Work exposure that occur outside of a working environment is known as Virtual Work Exposure.
Work exposure opportunities contribute to students' understanding of the:
- changing nature and requirements of work
- differences between a multitude of occupations and industries
- skills and personal qualities needed for work and life.
Current state of Virtual Work Exposure
Virtual work exposure already exists, however, there is often a disconnect between activities as these are done anywhere and everywhere, leading to some students having a fractured understanding of the world of work and less meaningful experience making it more difficult to move forward with their career aspirations.
Additionally, there is no clear guide for users to gauge whether a virtual work exposure or combination thereof is a meaningful alternative to traditional work experience, leading to less confidence in virtual work exposure.
Exploring a model for Virtual Work Exposure
A Virtual Work Exposure Model will help users understand the diverse offerings available to support them in ensuring every student has meaningful work exposures by simulating the many aspects of the world of work.
It works by connecting the components needed to simulate effective and meaningful work experience through a versatile structure that can be applied to each student's career aspirations and school's learning outcomes. This transparent structure will help maintain a high level of quality to digital work exposure for all parties.
Who will benefit from guided Virtual Work Exposure?
Virtual Work Exposure, guided by a model, will have short-term, long-term and over-arching benefits for everyone involved in the student career journey.
More information about this research is available to download: Exploring a model of Virtual Work Exposure document.
How will it work?
Virtual Work Exposure will be guided by a model that enables multiple online experiences to simulate a real workplace.
Students will complete work exposure missions
A variety of industries and career pathways will have dedicated missions for students to browse and choose from to provide students with a guided experience in their initial exposure to work.
Students will earn Work Exposure Points (WXP)
The points system will reflect the reward for time spent on a mission, with points collected when objectives are completed. Points are a way to indicate interest, exposure and ready-ness to the world of work.
Virtual Work Exposure Demo
ESA has developed a demo/prototype of the Virtual Work Exposure Model in action. Explore via the module below or access it through the official prototype link.
Connecting to Virtual Work Exposure
Linking the experiences and resources already available by bridging their content to students.
‘I like the way that (in the prototype) there are many ways students can engage with the industry and fine-tune their thoughts and you get a real sense of it before they enrol in a VET course. I applaud you, it looks great.’
Learn more
Want to learn more?
Read more about the process of creating the model and the future features recommended to establish it.
Register interest
Email us to keep up to date on the implementation of the model and be involved in future workshops.