Two Year 10 students, Grace H and Henry S, recently participated in the National Australia Bank (NAB) STEM Work Experience Program, joining 50 students from more than 25 schools across Victoria for four days of hands-on learning, collaboration and career exploration.
Held at NAB’s headquarters at 700 Bourke Street, the program provided students with a unique opportunity to experience the professional world while gaining insight into the diverse pathways available within STEM. Throughout the week, Grace and Henry took part in workshops, interactive challenges, building tours and industry-led sessions designed to develop both technical understanding and workplace skills.
A key focus of the program was cybersecurity, with students learning from NAB security specialists about the growing importance of digital safety, human risk and cyber awareness. They also explored customer experience and human-centred design, discovering how empathy, creativity and problem-solving are used to develop solutions that meet real-world needs.
The experience extended beyond STEM knowledge alone. Students participated in personal branding workshops, developed elevator pitches, refined their resumes and took part in mock interviews, helping to build confidence and prepare for future study and employment opportunities. They also had the opportunity to meet NAB’s Chief Security Officer and engage in a panel discussion about leadership, technology, career pathways and the future of work.
One of the highlights of the program was collaborating with students from across Victoria. Working in teams, participants tackled a STEM Challenge that encouraged innovation, critical thinking and teamwork before presenting their solutions to a panel of NAB judges.
Reflecting on the experience, Grace and Henry shared that the program provided valuable insight into daily working life while allowing them to connect with industry experts in banking and cybersecurity. They also appreciated the opportunity to build new friendships and develop skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony celebrating the students’ achievements and growth throughout the week.
We congratulate Grace and Henry on representing The Knox School so positively and thank NAB for providing such a valuable opportunity for students to learn, grow and explore future possibilities in STEM.
