VERSO International school  took a significant step forward in preparing our C7-8 learners for the future by introducing our Middle Loop’s first-ever work experience program. This innovative initiative opened doors to a diverse range of industries, offering our young learners invaluable insights into the professional world.

Work experience at this age is crucial for several reasons:

• Career Exploration: It allows learners to explore various career paths firsthand, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
• Skill Development: Learners acquire and hone essential workplace skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork.
• Personal Growth: These experiences foster independence, responsibility, and self-confidence.
• Real-World Application: Learners can apply classroom knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their understanding of academic concepts.

Our C7-8 learners visited 11 different workplaces across various sectors, including cafes, entertainment, sports, education, medical, and manufacturing industries. This diversity ensured a rich tapestry of experiences for our young participants.

Learners visited Spalding company that manufactures basketball as well as Spark Global, where they gained insights into the materials used to make basketballs 

Learning Skills in Action

Throughout their three-day placements, learners were tasked with observing and reflecting on various aspects of their host companies. They examined business models, customer attraction strategies, competitive advantages, and industry challenges. This analytical approach helped develop critical thinking and observational skills.

Maya, G8, shared her experiences at Book with No Name Cafe and Bookstore and Beat Active.

"At Beat Active,  my classmates and I learned about a lot of safety procedures, and there were many staff, so I learned a lot. We met the customer relations manager, who showed us around and explained new worker orientation. We were very open-minded to learn new things. I also learned about time management, helped with registration and showed customers around, learning about how machines work and different procedures they had to do."

Maya's first work experience took her to a cafe and an indoor sports complex 

KK, G7, who spent time at Cafe Basecamp 66, noted the importance of creativity and adaptability: "We were assigned tasks in cleaning and also learned how to make coffee and latte art. We even created a new drink - a mix between 2 sodas - and had to create ads for that drink. It was a good experience; I learned how to use coffee machines and brought design skills to advertisement creation."

KK and his classmate taking a close look at how coffee machines work (above) and diligently cleaning the cafe windows alongside classmates, preparing the space for customers before opening time (below)

G7 Peach's experience at Oriental Fine Art Co. Ltd., (picture below) which manufactures premium boxes and artificial flowers, highlighted the value of cross-cultural communication.

"I developed a lot of communication skills and had to do translation from Thai to English and vice versa. The challenge we faced was communicating with workers who spoke only Thai."

G8 Atom's 'side hustle' was making money by washing cars—yes, he's an entrepreneur so for his work experience, he visited a professional car wash (pictured below, albeit blurry) to learn how the automatic  car wash machines operate, the types of detergents and chemicals used, and the entire car washing process, including different types of washes, polishes, waxes, and finishes. 

"I learned how to use coffee machines and brought design skills to advertisement creation."

-KK, G7

Overcoming Challenges

As with any new initiative, there were some logistical challenges. Not all learners could attend their first-choice locations, but our Middle Loop Cohort Leader Jonathan Campbell, who led this initiative, quickly adjusted to accommodate preferences where possible. This flexibility taught our learners another valuable lesson - the importance of adaptability in the workplace.

Looking Forward

The success of this inaugural work experience program has been evident in the enthusiastic feedback from our learners. Maya, KK, and Peach, who all expressed their desire to participate in similar experiences in the future, highlighting the program's positive impact.

As educators, VERSO is thrilled to see how these experiences are shaping our learners' perspectives on work and their futures. The program has not only provided practical skills but also ignited curiosity and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

Our learners (above and below) gain hands-on experience as future baristas and bakers

Our C7-8 work experience program has proven to be an invaluable addition to our curriculum. It has offered our learners a unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, apply their knowledge in real-world settings, and gain insights that will serve them well in their future academic and professional endeavors.

Learning how to categorize books at the library at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law

We look forward to building on this success and continuing to provide our learners with meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"I developed a lot of communication skills and had to do translation from Thai to English and vice versa. The challenge we faced was communicating with workers who spoke only Thai."

-PEACH, G7

The work experience opportunity offered our learners a unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, apply their knowledge in real-world settings, and gain insights that will serve them well in their future academic and professional endeavors.