In this issue

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have officially finished all classes at St Paul’s!  What a momentous year – always exciting – but 2020 has proved to be one “out-of-the box”!

I can only be but astounded at our students’ grace, temerity, perseverance, good humour, leadership and ability to adjust and create opportunities under challenging circumstances over this year.

As a cohort, they have been a privilege to work with and an inspiration for their positive attitude to complete their studies and plan for new and exciting possibilities.

It all sounds wonderful but as in all aspects of life, this year has had its challenges for each and every Year 12 student (as it has for all year levels) – but it was their ability to communicate, plan and ‘plough on’ that has been impressive.

We wish all students all the best for their future plans, whatever that may be as they embark on their next exciting chapter.

Career planning is a lifelong process and changes will continue for many years to come.  A positive attitude and willingness to use change and opportunities to create possibilities will help determine pathways to explore and this attitude has been abundantly apparent in this year’s cohort.

Congratulations to each and every Year 12 and we look forward to hearing all the wonderful and diverse career stories that will follow!

Mrs Deb Cumming
Head of Careers

Australian Defence Force

Army, Air Force and Navy
You can watch a fantastic recruitment video for the Defence Force here, https://bit.ly/3jFWcRz

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
Current Year 11 students who are considering applying for the ADFA are encouraged to start their application now.  You can complete the YOU (Your Options Unlimited) session at a local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.  During this session, you will complete an aptitude test that will give you a print out of the roles you are eligible for.  If you do not achieve the marks required for your desired role (for example pilot), you can retake the YOU session in Year 12.  For information on ADFA and the university degrees and roles you can apply for visit, https://bit.ly/31IyRbp  For information on the YOU session and to book visit, http://bit.ly/2Tyn8Yp

Gap Year Program
Current Year 11 students are encouraged to explore the ADF Gap Year program.  Applications for the 2022 intake will open around March 2021.  For information on the Gap Year program and the roles you can apply for visit, http://bit.ly/38ngCcb

The Australian Defence Force Cyber Gap Program
The Australian Defence Force Cyber Gap Program is for you if:
•  You are an Australian citizen
•  You want to be a cyber-warrior or be on the front line in cyberspace
•  You are studying cyber at university or TAFE in 2021
•  You would like assistance, mentoring, Defence work experience and have your study course fees paid!
At the end of your studies, there is no obligation to join us, although we certainly hope that you will.  If you choose not to join us, we will even help you prepare for other jobs.
To find out more and apply (closing deadline 10 November) go to, https://dta.gov.au/cybergap

Endota Wellness College

Endota Wellness College is located at Melbourne and offers courses in Beauty, Massage and Salon Management.  Information sessions are being held for prospective students during November.
Dates:  23 and 26 November
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/3jqHdKV

Teaching and Nursing

Year 12 students applying for one of the following courses via VTAC will need to register for and sit the CASPer test by 8 December for most universities.
•  Undergraduate teaching courses
•  Bachelor of Nursing at Victoria University
It will cost $80 to register for the test and you can sit the test at home.
Note:  If you are only applying for undergraduate teaching courses at Australian Catholic University, you can elect to complete the ACU Teacher Selector Statement instead of the CASPer test, https://bit.ly/3jwK7Og
For information on the CASPer test and to register visit, https://bit.ly/2M4jr9e

VCE Summer School

The University of Melbourne Student Union is running its annual VCE Summer School for 2021 Year 12 students.  The two-week program will be run virtually.  Students will be able to get a head start on their studies, develop study skills and receive tutoring for their Units 3 and 4 subjects.  Current Year 11 VCE students are invited to apply for the program.
Date:  11 to 22 January 2021
Cost:  $50
Information:  https://bit.ly/3bXuVGa

Monash University Updates

Engineering
Confused about what type of engineering you would like to specialise in?  Monash has developed a new website to assist prospective students to explore each specialisation offered in-depth.  From 2021, Biomedical Engineering will be offered as a new specialisation, https://bit.ly/2TpYXM5

Global Immersion Guarantee
From 2021, all students studying a course from the Arts faculty (for example: Arts, Criminology, Global Studies, Media and Communication, Music, Politics, Philosophy and Economics) will be eligible for the Global Immersion Guarantee.  Students will be able to access a funded overseas experience as part of their studies, https://bit.ly/3mpmPMa

European Languages
From 2021, French, German, Italian and Spanish and Latin American studies will be taught under a new major titled ‘European languages’, giving language studies a global context.  Students wishing to take two languages can choose the extended major, https://bit.ly/3e0cByQ

Are you ready to reset?

Skillsroad has released a fantastic series of resources for young people. You can download the sections that are relevant to you.

Get your head right
•  Six tips to get your life back on track
•  Five ways to deal with negative thoughts
•  How to become resilient
•  What to do when your motivation is gone
https://bit.ly/2ZNy5K0

Discover your options
•  A day in the life of…
•  Discover your skills and strengths
•  Get to know how work-ready you are
•  Explore careers and your study pathways
https://bit.ly/39digPN

Make a plan
•  How to make good decisions
•  How to create goals and keep focused on them
•  Why creativity can make your life better
•  How to stop procrastinating
https://bit.ly/2OW2501

Personal Branding
•  How to develop your skills and get work experience
•  How to write your first resumé
•  What’s a good cover letter?
•  Manners for chatting on the phone/zoom
https://bit.ly/32FGgcQ

Career Progression
•  How to deal with conflict productively
•  Five ways to deal with negative thoughts
•  How to be fearless at work (and life!)
•  Are you future ready? Build the right skills
https://bit.ly/2CQY5uM

Killing it at Work
•  Surviving your first days at work
•  How to fall in love with your job
•  Mastering the skills of networking
•  Dealing with workplace bullying and harassment
https://bit.ly/3eL1SqU

Free study skills subjects

Charles Sturt University offers free online subjects for students who would like to brush up on their skills, prepare for university study, extend their learning and challenge themselves.  Examples of subjects include:
•  Getting ready for university study
•  Essay writing and academic writing
•  Critical thinking
•  Maths (intermediate and advanced)
•  Introductory subjects in Chemistry, Physics, Bioscience and Anatomy
For information and to enrol into a free online subject go to, https://bit.ly/2Psh7fe

Employment

Farm jobs in regional areas
If you are looking for a casual farm job over the summer holidays, Harvest Trail Information Service is a company that can assist.  This is a free service to job seekers, https://bit.ly/31IQhoy

Coles
Please visit https://bit.ly/31HqMnH to learn about jobs at Coles, their equity programs, sign up for job alerts and to watch industry videos.

Register for employment online
You can sign up for employment opportunities at the following websites:
IGA Supermarkets, https://bit.ly/382p4yw
KFC, https://bit.ly/33N7mM1
Woolworths, https://bit.ly/2RptgTp
Hungry Jacks, https://bit.ly/2qkwIU8
Kmart, https://bit.ly/2Y8U2Rd
Target, https://bit.ly/2qZ76MZ
McDonalds, https://bit.ly/380Uvtb
Bunnings, https://bit.ly/2LfB2Ls
Donut King, https://bit.ly/2YbqYIy
Boost Juice, https://bit.ly/2P36v4I
Red Rooster, https://bit.ly/2Lf35Le
Myer, https://bit.ly/2sHiEov
Cotton On, https://bit.ly/2LjebPj
Sportsgirl, https://bit.ly/2RfT2cC
Officeworks, https://bit.ly/361GkCp
Apco, https://bit.ly/33F09xz
About eighty per cent of all job vacancies are not advertised, so it is crucial that you market yourself to businesses with an excellent resume and cover letter.  Make sure you tell as many people as possible that you are looking for work as often employers rely on ‘word of mouth’ to recruit for their positions.

Job seeking resources
For excellent job seeking tips and resume/cover letter templates, check out the resources at Youth Central, https://bit.ly/2DIg04a

Rights and responsibilities
Know your rights and responsibilities when starting a new job, https://bit.ly/2SggKUP

Tax File Number (TFN)
If you do not have a TFN, you will need to apply for one via the Australian Tax Office, https://bit.ly/37VdCnP

Learn about safety in the workplace
Learn how to stay safe at work, https://bit.ly/2VA24j5

Virtual Career Events

Endeavour College of Natural Health
The college is located in Melbourne and offers higher education courses in:
•  Naturopathy
•  Acupuncture
•  Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine
•  Myotherapy
•  Complementary Medicine
•  Remedial Massage (Diploma)
The institute is running several online information sessions for prospective students before the end of the year.  For information and to RSVP visit, https://bit.ly/3l8AI0Q

Macleay College
Macleay is located in Melbourne.  The college is running the following course information sessions for prospective students:
•  Advertising and Digital Media, Wednesday 18 November, https://bit.ly/3mSY8rU
•  Journalism, Thursday 19 November, https://bit.ly/3oWztnN

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)
AIE is located in Melbourne and Canberra and offers courses in the following study areas:
•  Game Art and Animation
•  Game Programming
•  Game Design and Production
•  3D Animation and VFX for Film
•  Games and Virtual Worlds
The academy is running an open day for prospective students.
Date:  Saturday 21 November
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/3mQ9dtt

Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) Program
In 2020, RISE will be a two-day, exciting virtual Indigenous Science experience with hands-on experiments, virtual workshops and a chance for students to chat directly with science students and academics from The University of Melbourne.
The program is open to indigenous students in Years 9 and 10 and applications are now open.
When:  Tuesday 1 to Wednesday 2 December
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/34ZUial

The Hotel School Melbourne
Prospective students will be able to take an on-campus tour of the school on 1 December.  For information visit, https://bit.ly/38brTQC

Engineering and IT Showcase
Watch the La Trobe University 2020 Engineering and IT Showcase on Wednesday 25 November and view the very best of student industry projects delivering solutions in partnership with industry and government agencies, https://bit.ly/2I6L171

Career websites

Naval Shipbuilding Careers
There is a career path to suit everyone in the naval shipbuilding industry.  More than 15,000 jobs are expected to be created in Australia as part of the continuous Naval Shipbuilding Program over the next fifty years, https://bit.ly/3kWSSCU

Agriculture
View the stories of Young Farming Champions from the Picture You In Agriculture initiative, https://bit.ly/2TRcZGD

Careers in Rail
Learn about the many careers available in the rail industry, https://bit.ly/3mLme7y

Information Technology
Explore the interactive career wheel, https://bit.ly/3hpd0e9

Interesting articles from ‘The Footnotes’

Marketing, Public Relations and Events careers
•  Intern diaries: A news website
•  QnA with a marketing director at an e-commerce store
•  Snagging six-figures – from marketing to assistant to COVID-19 freelancer at $60,000
•  QnA: creative roles in the business world
•  The real world of advertising and media
•  ‘I want to work in media’ means you’ll be doing one of these five jobs
https://bit.ly/2PZvWmZ

Healthcare and Nursing
•  ICU Nurse: a day in the life
•  Roundtable discussion: the true value of medical science
•  QnA with an occupational therapist
•  Three days with a speech pathologist
•  Fighting childhood obesity: a dietician’s story
•  Fifteen hours as a paramedic: inside the job
•  Psychology, nursing or social work?
https://bit.ly/32bzdrl

Career Portfolio

Career portfolio for students:  This portfolio is great for students who would like to track their career journey, get tips on how to manage their career and have a portfolio of evidence.  There are five sections to this portfolio to be used to gather evidence in building a career portfolio.  The portfolio costs $15 and can be ordered at this link, https://bit.ly/2yPW50P

Moving out of home next year?

Year 12 students who may need to move out of home to access post-school education, employment or training may find a recent article by the Foundation for Young Australians helpful.  The article discusses important information about renting, understanding your rights, dealing with conflict with housemates and knowing your obligations as a tenant.  You can access the article here, https://bit.ly/2JLs4VA

Have you considered studying nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the engineering and manipulation of extremely small matter and is one of the fastest growing areas of technology and scientific research.  The degree suits students who love Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry and would like to work in the field of material and physical sciences.  RMIT University, Melbourne, offers undergraduate and graduate nanotechnology courses, https://bit.ly/32af1Gw

Apprenticeships

The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service has released an article on the future labour market for Australian apprenticeships coming out of COVID-19.  They predict that “trade apprenticeships are likely to be in demand going forward”.  You can read the article at, https://bit.ly/3mN9E83

A message to the class of 2020 from Explore Careers

Explore Careers and several of their major industry partners have put together a video message for the class of 2020, https://bit.ly/32dAlL9

The exciting world of neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of how the brain and nervous system impact behaviour, actions and cognitive thinking.  Students can specialise in areas such as behavioural neuroscience, neuroimaging, social neuroscience, molecular neuroscience, and neuro-linguistics.  Research is undertaken in areas such as music, sport, schizophrenia, epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease.

Studying neuroscience would suit students who are interested in science, research and lab work.  It is advisable to study subjects such as advanced mathematics, biology, chemistry, psychology and physics at school.  To become a neurologist or neurosurgeon, you will need to study a medical degree first.

Victorian universities are leaders in the fields of neuroscience and neuropsychology research.  The following are two universities that offer neuroscience as a major at the undergraduate level:

Swinburne University
Can major in Neuroscience through the Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Health Science (Professional), http://bit.ly/2hrMt42

The University of Melbourne
Can major in Neuroscience through the Bachelor of Biomedicine or the Bachelor of Science, http://bit.ly/2rWjXhe

Post-school options

Students considering exiting school at the end of the year are encouraged to carefully consider their options in partnership with their family and career adviser.

The following two websites have excellent articles and resources to assist students in exploring their post-school options such as employment, volunteering, university, TAFE, traineeships and apprenticeships.

CareersEvents.com, https://bit.ly/3oWUU8k

Year13, https://year13.com.au/