Young people make important decisions about their futures long before they enter the workforce. For students experiencing disadvantage, those decisions can feel even more challenging—especially when they haven’t had the chance to see how workplaces operate or hear from people who’ve built meaningful careers. That’s why programs like Work Inspiration, delivered in partnership with The Smith Family, are so valuable. They give students a genuine look into the world of work and help them imagine possibilities they may not have considered before.
Angle Auto recently hosted its second two‑day Work Inspiration event at our Sydney office, welcoming students from a local high school. The program brought together our team, community partners and a group of motivated young people eager to learn. Over two days, students explored different roles, built practical skills and heard real stories from people who once stood exactly where they are now wondering what comes next.
Opening doors through real‑world exposure
For many students, especially those facing disadvantage, the workplace can feel distant or unfamiliar. Work Inspiration helps bridge that gap by giving young people direct access to professionals who can share insights, answer questions and show them what different careers look like in practice.
During the event, students heard from several members of the Angle Auto team, including Allyson Carlile (Chief People Officer) and David Nicholls (Chief Risk Officer). They shared their personal career paths, the lessons they’ve learned and the moments that shaped their professional journeys. These conversations help students understand that careers rarely follow a straight line. They evolve through curiosity, resilience and a willingness to try new things.
By hearing these stories firsthand, students gain a clearer sense of how people build careers—and how they can start shaping their own.
Inside Angle Auto: Understanding how teams work together
One of the most impactful parts of the program is the opportunity for students to meet people across different teams and see how each role contributes to a shared purpose. At Angle Auto, that purpose is simple: helping more Australians get into the driver’s seat.
Throughout the two days, students spent time with team members from a range of departments. They learned:
- What different roles involve day‑to‑day
From customer care and operations to credit decisioning, marketing and technology, students saw how each function plays a part in delivering a seamless experience for customers. - How each role supports customers
Team members explained their work from a customer’s perspective—highlighting how every decision, interaction and process helps Australians access the vehicles they need for work, family and everyday life. - What skills matter in the workplace
Communication, teamwork, problem‑solving and adaptability were common themes. Students discovered that many of the skills they’re already developing at school are highly valued by employers.
This exposure helps students understand that workplaces are made up of many different roles, each contributing to a bigger picture. It also shows them that there are multiple pathways to success—not just one.
Learning through hands‑on activities
Beyond hearing from Angle Auto team members, students took part in practical sessions designed to build confidence and give them skills they can use long after the program ends. These activities encouraged creativity, teamwork and problem‑solving skills that matter in every workplace.
1. Job applications and interview skills
Students learned how to prepare a resume, present themselves confidently and communicate their strengths—even if they don’t have much work experience yet. These skills help them feel more prepared for part‑time jobs, internships and future opportunities.
2. Social Media Marketing workshop
With guidance from our marketing team, students created their own social media ad concepts. They explored how brands communicate, how campaigns are developed and how creativity plays a role in business.
3. Responsible lending and credit decisioning
Students also learned about responsible lending—an area most young people rarely encounter in school. They explored how financial decisions are made, why responsible lending matters and how businesses assess risk. This session helped build financial literacy, an essential life skill.
4. Team challenge: Building the tallest tower
One of the most memorable activities was a hands‑on team challenge where students were given marshmallows and dry spaghetti and asked to build the tallest free‑standing tower they could. What seemed like a simple task quickly turned into a lively competition filled with laughter, strategy and plenty of trial and error.
The challenge encouraged students to:
- Work collaboratively under time pressure
- Experiment, adapt and problem‑solve
- Think creatively about structure and stability
- Communicate clearly within their teams
It was a fun, energetic way to show how teamwork, resilience and creative thinking play a role in real workplaces—often in unexpected ways.
Why partnerships like this matter
The Smith Family’s Work Inspiration program is designed to support young people who may not otherwise have access to workplace experiences. By partnering with organisations like Angle Auto, the program helps students:
- Build confidence in their abilities
- Understand different career pathways
- Develop employability skills
- Connect with positive role models
- Stay motivated and engaged in school
For Angle Auto, participating in Work Inspiration is an opportunity to give back to the community and support the next generation. It also aligns with our commitment to helping Australians move forward—whether that’s through access to vehicles or access to opportunities.
The impact on students
While each student’s experience is unique, several consistent outcomes emerge from Work Inspiration programs:
- A clearer sense of direction
Students often leave with a better understanding of what they enjoy and what careers might suit them. - Greater confidence
Meeting professionals and hearing their stories helps students realise that successful careers are built step by step. - New practical skills
From interview techniques to creative thinking, students gain tools they can use immediately. - A sense of possibility
Exposure to real workplaces helps students imagine futures they may not have considered before.
These outcomes can have a lasting impact, especially for young people who may not have strong networks or access to career guidance.
Angle Auto’s commitment to supporting young Australians
At Angle Auto, we believe in helping Australians move forward—on the road and in life. Supporting young people through programs like Work Inspiration reflects our values and our commitment to building stronger communities.
We believe:
- Opportunity should be accessible
Every young person deserves the chance to explore their potential. - Workplaces should inspire
When students see real people doing meaningful work, they can picture themselves doing the same. - Community partnerships create impact
Working with organisations like The Smith Family helps us reach students who benefit most. - Investing in young people strengthens Australia’s future workforce
Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators, leaders and contributors.
Our team is proud to play a part in shaping those futures.
Helping young Australians build confidence for the road ahead
Programs like Work Inspiration do more than introduce students to the workplace—they help young people build confidence, discover their strengths and understand the many paths available to them. By welcoming students into our Sydney office, we created space for them to ask questions, try new skills and see how different roles contribute to a shared purpose.
For our team, it’s a privilege to support young Australians as they explore their future options. Every conversation, activity and moment of encouragement helps students take the next step with greater clarity and self-belief. When we invest in their development, we’re helping shape a stronger, more confident generation—one that’s ready to take the wheel and drive toward the future they choose.
