Muirfield High School students Cihan Saral, Corallie Kent and Jake Swinn feature on the part of the website aimed at students.

Wide audience for work website

By

Kerri Carr

A new website has been launched to help students balance the competing demands of full time study and part time work.

The Students@Work website (www.studentsatwork.org.au) has sections aimed at students, teachers, parents and employers, because they all have an important role to play in helping students achieve the right balance.

There are many interactive tools for use, particularly by students. A CV Maker is provided that will take students through a step-by-step process to producing a professional image. A web-based calendaring tool called the "Time Tamer" can be used by students to plan their time.

Students who need extra help in planning their work/study load can invite parents and teachers to view their calendars.

Muirfield High School student Jake Swinn works an average of 20 hours a week which he describes as a "bit of a burden" and admits his school work has suffered at times.

"Having a job can be a daunting experience especially when juggling it with friends and studies," Jake said.

"However, it can be an enriching and fun thing that will teach you new skills, make you knew friends and broaden your horizons."

"The Students@Work website will, without a doubt, help working kids," he said.

"It offers a comprehensive array of help and advice," he added.

Birrong Girls High School teacher Nola Edsall said the website would help her teach a unit of work to students and assist teachers in mentoring situations.

The section for teachers offers links to government websites, classroom activity sheets and other teaching resources.

NSW Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations President Di Giblin said the website would help parents support their child's balance of work, family, friends and studies.

The section for employers offers helpful tips about how to offer flexibility to students. Employers that are prepared to commit to eight good employment principles can take the Students@Work Employer Pledge.

At the launch on May 1, Federation President Maree O'Halloran said a number of teachers had told the union that students were coming to them asking what they should do if they had a problem in their workplace.

She also said teachers were concerned by students' work/school balance.

Subsequent research showed that students who worked long hours and late shifts were most likely to come to school feeling tired; failed to complete homework assignments and believed part time work negatively impacted on their school performance. The research also showed that students were looking for a trusted source of information about the workplace. This led to the development of the website.

"I think the website's information is very valuable," Ms O'Halloran said.

"The union will keep it updated," she added.

For further information

May 2008 contents