Very often, children change their career aspirations as fast as the wind changes direction. It is neither uncommon for these children to remain perplexed about their choice even at secondary school age.

On the other hand, many secondary school students who have clearer career aspirations might have never visited the workplace of their chosen career, and might be surprised to learn, at a later stage, that their dream job was quite different from what they had always imagined it to be.

At the Ġużeppi Despott Junior Lyceum for Boys, also known as the Verdala Junior Lyceum, taking its name from the area in Cospicua, two guidance teachers and a school councellor planned a four-day Work Shadowing experience for all Form 4 students of their school, which forms part of St Margaret's College.

For these 120 boys, the last week of April was spent at their dream workplace instead of their usual classrooms. This week meant a lot to them: they finally had the chance to gain practical experience at the airport, architects' offices, pharmacies, local councils, playschools, homes for the elderly, supermarkets, hairstylists' salons, libraries, printing presses, hotels, restaurants and media houses.

School councillor Stephen Camilleri explained that this year's Work Shadowing experience is the result of a successful pilot project launched three years ago.

"Initially, the project was on a voluntary basis, run in collaboration with a Erin Serracino Inglott Girls' Secondary School, also forming part of St Margaret College, which also organise a similar work placement experience for Form 5 students. This proved to be an interesting experience for the students, so this time around we decided to include all Form 4 students."

Mr Camilleri explained that prior to the training week, which took place from April 28 to May 2, a meeting was held for all the parents, who were then asked to fill in a consent form.

"The parents, all of whom agreed to allow their son take part in the work placement, were advised not to be over-protective, and to make sure their children attended work on time and in uniform or with the school track suit as advised. The parents were also given the necessary details about the work places. We also explained the whole process, the aims behind such an initiative and the feedback their children had to submit after the work experience."

The outcome was very positive, especially for the boys, who have acquired a better idea about the type of jobs they would like to land. They have also learnt how to be more responsible, and have become motivated to study more. Even the boys who had a fainter idea about work also confirmed their likes and dislikes, and are now more likely to approach their choice of course or training with a clearer objective.

Benjamin Vassallo's work experience at an architect's office helped him confirm his future aspirations, and has learned more about which subjects and areas he needs to focus on.

"The experience has helped me confirm my ambitions to become an architect. It has also helped me realise that certain subjects, which I thought were less important, carry more weight.

"On my first day, I was very curious to see whether my impressions matched the realities of the job. Our mentors welcomed us and took us on site to take measurements. At the office, we became aware of how important it is to work within a team. We also learnt about the software they use, and how to use it, and in fact we produced basic drawings of buildings."

Shaun Attard's experience at the Malta International Airport also confirmed his aspirations, and helped him come out of his shell and better his life skills.

"The work experience taught me how to be less shy and how to talk in public. I feel more confident and I think this will help me work better with other people. The experience has confirmed my aspirations about working as a pilot, and in fact, I hope to better my marks even at this stage."

This year's Work Shadowing experience was planned by the school's guidance teachers - Joe Borg and Karl Coleiro - who faced the demanding task of finding out the students' preferences, getting in touch with employers who were willing to offer placements to the students, visiting every workplace to make sure they were safe for the students, and explaining to the students what they were expected to do.

Mr Coleiro explained: "The Work Shadowing Week was based on matching the students' preferences with the available list of employers. The preference of each student was taken into consideration as much as possible, despite the fact that we had to match 120 preferences. However, the idea was so well-received even by the parents, some of them even offered to make their workplace available for the students.

"The experience taught the students about the various specialisations within each sector, as well as the work opportunities available even outside the traditional sector. For example, chefs are required in restaurants, but they are also necessary at day-care facilities.

"Students were placed in child-care centres, and other places of work traditionally associated with women."

Mr Coleiro explained that the job experience was not only important from an academic point of view but also from a life skills standpoint.

"The experience made the students aware of the importance of proper grooming and dress code. It taught them about teamwork, and how relationships with colleagues and employers are formed. Parents were advised not to accompany their children to their workplace, except for the first day, allowing the students to learn how to be more independent and how to be on time."

The secondary school's head, Stephen Cachia, said that the Work Shadowing experience was an important experience for these 14- and 15-year-olds who are about to take up further studies or vocational training.

"The experience worked well, even with students who have presented challenging behaviour at school.

"In fact, most of these students undertook a very positive learning experience throughout the week. The employers also provided positive feedback about the students.

"The students' feedback forms showed how enriching the boys found the experience. We have also been receiving e-mails and verbal feedback from parents with very positive feedback. While the school will continue to organise the Work Shadowing Week every year, we hope that every student in Malta can have the same opportunity."