Op shop provides a training ground

Three students from Neerim District Secondary College will be helping the Drouin Anglican Church Op Shop during term two.

Year 12 students Connor Rigg and Rachel Eyles along with year 11 student Hayley Acres began work last Friday, with Rachel and Hayley helping at the front counter serving customers, while Connor is assisting in ICT department.

It’s part of the VCAL curriculum with the students volunteering on Fridays.

The opportunity came about after op shop secretary Susan Heath realised how tough it was for many young people to obtain employment without access to previous experience, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve been applying for jobs myself and everyone asks for experience. It made me ask where a school leaver can get experience from, so we were looking for students to help in the op shop so they can say they have experience and we can write them a reference,” Ms Heath said.

After sending out flyers to several schools, Neerim District Secondary College curriculum coordinator Bev Falls contacted op shop manager John Griffiths after speaking about the opportunity with a colleague.

“It’s happened very quickly, but the opportunity to come and work with other people and it’s great having the confidence to come and put yourself out there,” Ms Falls said.

The Op Shop has been operating for 25 years, with more than 40 volunteers giving time during the week to work in the shop and at the warehouse.

With the online world continuing to grow the op shop is thankful that Connor, who is undertaking digital studies at TAFE, can help guide them in the new direction as they look into more social media and ecommerce.

Rachel is undertaking integrated technology at TAFE, while Hayley is studying hospitality, both using the opportunity to gain valuable customer service experience for future opportunities.

Ms Falls wanted to encourage other schools in the area to take up the opportunity presented by the op shop.

“It’s a really good opportunity for the kids as it can be particularly hard to find placement after COVID,” Ms Falls said.

Manager John Griffiths (left) with his newest employees Hayley Acres, Rachel Eyles and Connor Rigg with curriculum coordinator Bev Falls also on hand to help on the students on the first day.

Neerim District Secondary College student Connor Rigg takes a look at the iPad as he begins his work placement, helping with some ICT at the Drouin Anglican Church Op Shop.