Eliza Woodruffe – Expanding Career Horizons in Rural Queensland with VR
- craig3033
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
At Work Window, it's important to us that we speak more regularly with our customers—sharing stories, gathering feedback, and celebrating the great work happening in classrooms and organisations around Australia and the rest of the world.
In remote regions like the Balonne Shire in Southwest Queensland, students don’t always get the chance to explore careers beyond what’s locally available. That’s where Eliza Woodruffe, Student Engagement and Success Coordinator at County Universities Centre Balonne (CUC Balonne), saw an opportunity to make a difference using Work Window.
The Challenge
“Being in a remote region, there was little opportunity for students to see the wider world of work.”
Many students Eliza works with—especially those disengaged from school—struggle to picture what’s possible. She needed a way to show them a broader future, without needing to leave the community.

Why Work Window?
“It gives students a tangible experience. They can see what’s out there and imagine themselves doing it.”
How Work Window is Used at CUC Balonne
Eliza and her team run career education sessions with:
High school students visiting the centre
Students enrolled in local training organisations
Disengaged youth who’ve dropped out of school
“We use Work Window with high school students in our career education sessions on site, as well as with students involved with training organisations. These students tend to be disengaged youth that have dropped out of school. Work Window gives them an opportunity to see what is available.”
A Standout Moment
One student came into the centre every day for over a week to use the Job Interview Simulator.
“He wasn’t keen on improving—he didn’t think those questions would come up. After the interview, I asked what they asked him… his answer: ‘All of the questions from the simulator!’”
What’s Changed Since Using Work Window
Eliza’s noticed that students:
Are more curious about different careers
Want to come back and explore more
Are starting to make real plans for tertiary study
“They can’t be what they can’t see. Work Window changes that.”
Advice for Others Considering Work Window
“Let users explore at their own pace and encourage an open mind—it really does open up a world of opportunity.”

Looking Ahead
Eliza hopes to deepen engagement with local schools and offer VR career exploration to even more year levels.
Thanks to Eliza and the team at CUC Balonne for sharing their story and helping expand access to career opportunities in regional Australia.
Please feel free to let us know how you use Work Window by filling in the survey 👇
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