Exploring IT: Harrison’s Work Experience Journey with Barkuma
Work experience can be a powerful way for young people to explore their interests and gain real-world insight into different career pathways. Recently, Barkuma welcomed Harrison from the Inclusive Employment Australia program to our IT Department, where he spent time with the team learning more about what a career in technology can look like in practice.
During his placement, Harrison had the opportunity to see behind the scenes of Barkuma’s IT operations and build on his existing interest in technology, gaining valuable IT work experience in a real workplace setting.
Discovering an Interest in IT
For Harrison, an interest in technology didn’t start in a classroom or a career plan, it started with curiosity.
“I think my interest came from what I thought was a huge computer that my dad had when I was young. At school, I would spend every recess in the computer lab.”
That early curiosity has grown into a genuine interest in IT, not just for the technical side, but for the connections it creates.
“I have made some great friends through the gaming community, some from different countries. Setting records is cool too.”
Taking the First Step into IT Work Experience
The opportunity to gain work experience in IT came through someone who recognised Harrison’s interest and helped open the door.
“My key worker knew I was into IT, so he arranged it for me.”
With a mindset focused on learning, Harrison approached the experience ready to take in as much as he could.
“It’s always my goal to learn and consume as much information on every single detail available to me.”
On his first day, there was a mix of excitement and readiness, helped by the support he had leading into it.
“I was excited to start. My key worker prepared me well.”
Behind the Scenes of Working in IT
Stepping into the IT department gave Harrison a new perspective on an environment he was already familiar with but had never seen this way.
“I saw a behind the scenes look at the Barkuma office, somewhere I have been visiting for a few years. It was also great to see Vanessa and Chris from my old Transition Program team.”
Through the placement, he began to understand more about how IT supports an organisation day-to-day, an important insight for anyone considering a career in technology.
“I learned about the services that the team can set up and about other services that the average business would waste money on.”
It also opened his eyes to the realities of the digital world, particularly the risks that come with it.
“I was surprised by the extent of scams and phishing links that are out there, especially the Nigerian Prince.”
More Than Just Technical Skills
While the experience built Harrison’s understanding of IT, it was also the people that made a lasting impression.
“I enjoyed spending time with Callum. He is extremely knowledgeable. But he should have invited me to his wedding.”
Moments like this reflect what work experience can offer beyond technical skills, connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging in a workplace environment.
A Short Experience with a Lasting Impact
Like many meaningful experiences, it felt like it ended too soon.
“I was sad. It was over so quick.”
But in that short time, Harrison gained valuable insight into what a future in IT could look like and the confidence to keep exploring it.
Looking Ahead to a Career in IT
For other young people considering a pathway into IT, Harrison’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Just start. You’ll never know where it can take you.”
Creating Opportunities Through Work Experience
Work experience is often the first real step into a future career. At Barkuma, opportunities like this are about more than exposure, they’re about building confidence, developing skills, and supporting pathways into inclusive employment and careers in technology.Harrison’s journey is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is curiosity, the right support, and a chance to try.
To find out more about Barkuma’s Inclusive Employment Australia program that can support people to engage in work experience contact us here.