Exploring new horizons at WEX Canberra
For a group of First Nations students, attending the Work Exposure in Government (WEX) program in Canberra recently was a journey of discovery, connection, and inspiration.
Designed to give young people firsthand experience of government pathways, WEX opens doors to opportunities many had never imagined.
A busy schedule saw the students visiting Australian Parliament House to share breakfast with Senators and MPs, tour national science centre Questacon, and attend a careers expo at the offices of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
Students described the program as eye-opening and transformative. Each participant came away with new insights about their future.
Levi Haggett said the program introduced him to possibilities he had never considered before.
“WEX has introduced us to a lot of government positions, which I've never really considered until I came here,” he said.
Andronikos Petrou also reflected on how WEX helped him think about life after school.
“I've learned that there's vast roles in the Australian Public Service that can help build more opportunities,” he said.
For student Montana Marranya, the program helped her look to her future.
“It's been really eye-opening for me as I don't yet have any ideas for what I want to do after school. It’s given me lots of options and opportunities to explore,” she said.
Daysharn Mooney was excited about the cultural and educational experiences on offer during the program.
“I can’t even put into words how amazing this experience has been, to meet all these people, Parliament House, go to Questacon, have fun,” he said.
The WEX Canberra program is an opportunity for Indigenous students to broaden their horizons, gain confidence, and envision a future filled with many possibilities.
On the final day of the program, Andronikos reflected on how WEX strengthened his sense of identity and purpose.
“They've really helped me to understand where I stand in the world and also where my culture and people stand in the world so that I can help my community close the gap and hopefully unite Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together.”
WEX contributes to Closing the Gap in line with Outcome 7: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are engaged in employment or education.
Read more about WEX: Work Exposure in Government (WEX) | NIAA.