Preparing Future Leaders: Irrawang High School’s “World of Work” Workshops

Over three engaging days, approximately ninety Year 10 students from Irrawang High School stepped into a new kind of learning experience - one designed to build communication, confidence, teamwork, and mindfulness as they prepare for life beyond the classroom. Something I have had the honour of facilitating for the past 6 years, the World of Work workshops blended fun, practical skill-building, and meaningful human connection.

The consistency of feedback across the groups showed a clear pattern: young people want to understand themselves better, build confidence, and learn how to work effectively with others - skills directly relevant to their future workplaces.

Typically I am facilitating for boardrooms and executive teams so handling big groups of 16 year olds presented lots of different challenges (I take my hat off to school teachers), however I was delighted that many students commented directly to me that they had fun and that they appreciated my kindness, and how I made them feel seen, heard, and valued as young adults. This speaks powerfully to the philosophy I have, that learning and leadership should be fun, engaging, and participatory, never passive or disconnected.

Students also greatly appreciated meeting visiting local businesspeople who joined us for lunch, including recruiters, police, Bunnings staff and the Mayor Leah Anderson and had wonderful conversations. For many, the workshop expanded not just their skills - but their sense of confidence, capability, and community.

A Glimpse Into the Future: Irrawang’s Emerging Leaders

The Year 10 students of Irrawang High School showed curiosity, maturity, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Their reflections demonstrate a group of young people ready to grow, ready to learn, and ready to shape their futures:

✔Understanding communication styles.

Students enjoyed discovering their own communication preferences and recognising how others differ. Many shared that this helped them better understand themselves and their peers.

✔Body language and first impressions

Students valued practical insights into how to carry themselves, especially during interviews or first-time interactions.

✔Mindfulness and managing anxiety

Mindfulness activities were rated among the most helpful components, giving students tools to calm their minds and manage stress - skills they can use in school, social life, and future workplaces.

✔Teamwork and collaboration activities

By far one of the biggest highlights!

Students loved games such as the cup tower challenge and group problem-solving tasks, with many describing them as the “most fun” and the best way to connect with people they don’t usually talk to.

Irrawang High School should be proud of the maturity, enthusiasm, and curiosity the Year 10 students showed throughout the days. They stepped up, participated fully, and demonstrated the qualities of future leaders in the modern workplace.

If you’re a teacher or a parent who would love to see this workshop facilitated for your school get in touch with us at[email protected]to discuss for 2026 dates.

Leadership isn’t something you perform -

it’s something you become.

If you feel called to lead with more presence, clarity, and authenticity, there are many ways to begin.

At the Boardroom in the Bush Leadership Academy, we work with people who are ready to:

• Stabilise their wellbeing and reset their nervous system

• Shift from managing tasks to truly leading people

• Step into Steward Eldership and create a legacy that outlives them

• Reconnect with Country, community, and the deeper wisdom that can only be felt - not taught

Our pathways are designed for everyday people, emerging leaders, executives, and change-makers who want to lead differently: with heart, with humanity, and with consciousness.

If that’s you, your next step is waiting, and I’d be honoured to guide you.

Download the brochure here.