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Eliza Woodruffe – Expanding Career Horizons in Rural Queensland with VR

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.

Students taking advantage of CUC Balonne's headsets. Using Work Window and the Job Interview Simulator
Students taking advantage of CUC Balonne's headsets. Using Work Window and the Job Interview Simulator


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.”


Students taking advantage of CUC Balonne's headsets. Using Work Window and the Job Interview Simulator
Students taking advantage of CUC Balonne's headsets. Using Work Window and the Job Interview Simulator

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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