What you’ll do
Over a 3-month placement, you’ll learn:
- tips and pointers on public speaking and presenting
- communication skills, so you can engage with all types of people – these include skills in science communication, customer service and talking to the public
- about the background of the various exhibits at Questacon.
Possible placements around the Centre include as a:
- Science Time assistant
- Volunteer Explainer
- Discovery Trolley Explainer.
What you’ll get from us
As a Student Explainer, you’ll receive:
- ongoing training and support
- a certificate of completion
- credit towards your Higher School Certificate (HSC)
- inclusion in the reward and recognition program
- invitations to all our major events
- discounts at the Atomic Café and the Questacon Shop.
Key dates
The 2022 Student Explainer Program will run from August to October.
To get you started, you will attend some training sessions. These take place every Thursday evening from August to October. The first session will be held on Thursday 4 August 2022.
After completing your training, you will be scheduled to practise what you’ve learned during the September/October school holidays.
After volunteering 30 hours with us, you will undergo an assessment before you complete the program.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you’ll need to be in year 11 or 12, and at least 16 years old.
Covid-19 vaccination
As a member of our Student Explainer Program, you may need to work with children who can’t be vaccinated. In line with the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, as a Student Explainer you must be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, as defined by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
You will need to provide proof of vaccination, which may include:
- a vaccination certificate (an Australian Government COVID-19 digital certificate or COVID passport)
- information from a government health body
- information from your regular doctor (GP) or treating specialist.
How to apply
Nominations are now closed for 2022. Thank you for your submissions.
Want to become a Student Explainer? To be considered for this program, your school needs to submit an application on your behalf. You can't nominate yourself!
Your school’s principal, science coordinator, technology coordinator and/or careers adviser will get information sheets from us in the first week of Term 2, 2022.
If you are interested, ask one of them send us your name and a contact phone number before 6 June 2022.
Also include 50 or so words about yourself. Be sure to tell us why you're interested in Questacon, and science and technology!
Note that this program is for volunteer positions. Although we do sometimes hire volunteers as part of our paid staff, unfortunately we can’t guarantee this will happen.
You may also consider applying as a regular volunteer.
Find out more
To become a Student Explainer, ask your science coordinator, technology coordinator or careers adviser for more information.
To nominate one of your students, please call us on 02 6270 2858 or email us at volunteering@questacon.edu.au.
Questacon acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians and first scientists, makers and innovators of this land and their continuing connection to Country. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
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