In this issue

JUNE

24 June  Boho Friday
End of Term 2, 2:30 pm finish

JULY

18 July  DAV Debating, 3:30 pm, Traralgon Secondary School Room 2
19 July  Term 3 Commences
20 to 22 July  Year 10 Conference
21 July  SEISA Winter Inter/Senior Round 1 – BYE
22 July  Year 7 Author Visit, Nova Weetman, 1:30 pm to 2:20 pm, Library
26 July  Year 10 Federation University Visit, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Year 9 Job Skills Expo, 10:45 am – 3:00 pm, Lardner Park Warragul
28 July  SEISA Winter Inter/Senior Round 2
Years 9 and 10 Be Wise Presentation, 9:45 am to 11:05 am
29 July  East Timor Movie Night Fundraiser, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

TRARALGON SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

Monday 27 June to Thursday 30 June  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday 1 July Open  11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Monday 4 July to Thursday 14 July Open  10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday 15 July  Closed
Monday 18 July  Open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

DOBSONS HOLIDAY TRADING HOURS

JUNE

24 June  Last Day of Term 2, 2:20 pm FINISH
25 June  Canberra Camp returns

JULY

19 July  Term 3 Commences
20 to 22 July  Year 4 Camp to Phillip Island
22 July  Years 5 and 6 Author Visit by Nova Weetman

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

WARRAGUL JUNIOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

Monday 27 June to Tuesday 28 June  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday 29 June to Tuesday 12 July  Closed
Wednesday 13 July to Friday 15 July  Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

DOBSONS HOLIDAY TRADING HOURS

JUNE

22 to 24 June Year 9 City Camp Group 2 (9MGT4, 9MGT5)
24 June Sport Aerobics Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium/Dance Studio, 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Boho Friday
End of Term 2, 2:30 pm Finish

JULY

18 July DAV Debating – Online, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
19 July Term 3 Commences
20 to 22 July Year 10 Conference
21 July  Japanese Speaking and Culture Excursion, Hillcrest Christian College, Clyde North, Years 11 and 12 Japanese classes, 8:50 am to 3:20 pm
SEISA Winter Intermediate/Senior Round 1, BYE
22 July Sport Aerobics Training, Warragul Secondary School Gymnasium/Dance Studio, 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Year 9 City Experience: Group 1, Day 3, Melbourne CBD, 7:43 am to 4:03 pm
Senior Formal, Years 11 and 12 students, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
23 July Victorian All Schools Cross Country Championships, Bundoora Park
24 July AusCycling Schools Mountain Bike Series – Round 2, Lysterfield

* Please note that all events/excursions are dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
* TBC – to be confirmed.

WARRAGUL SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

Monday 27 June to Friday 15 July Open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Monday 18 July Open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

DOBSONS HOLIDAY TRADING HOURS

Well, we made it to the end of Term 2. The students have certainly earned the mid-year break as school and activities have returned with a bang. For those students that are completing work experience over the break, make the most of the opportunity and I look forward to hearing about it when we return in Term 3. Please ensure that you have the Careers mobile phone number saved in your phones so that when we contact you to check-in, you will know who we are. You can also contact that number if you have any issues or concerns over the break.

If you are considering apply for medicine this year, please read the newsletter for details of when the interviews for Monash University will be taking place to ensure that you are available at those times.

Enjoy the break and looking forward to seeing you all for another bumper term next term.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. – Dr. Seuss

Sarah Luck
Head of Careers

Open Days

Charles Sturt | 2022 Open Day
Sunday 21 August 2022, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Charles Sturt University, Albury-Wodonga Campus

Are you ready to check out Charles Sturt? From course information sessions to campus tours – Open Day will showcase what Charles Sturt is all about!

Future students can get a real look at what they offer, while joining in the festivities of Open Day. Everyone is welcome!

Find out more: https://study.csu.edu.au/life/events/open-day

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Open Day 2022
Saturday 20 August 2022, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The 2022 ADFA Open Day is on Saturday 20 August in Canberra. There will also be an online version of the Open Day for people who are unable to visit in person.

Register your interest and check out the virtual tour here: ADFA

Torrens University Australia | Open Day
Saturday 6 August 2022, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

Torrens University Australia, Flinders Street Campus

Meet Torrens academics, talk to current students and tour the campuses.

Find out more: https://www.torrens.edu.au/whats-on/open-day

Holiday Workshops

Photography Studies College, South Melbourne
Tuesday 28 June 2022, 11:00 am – Wednesday 29 June 2022, 2:00 pm

If you are a Year 11 or Year 12 student who loves being creative and taking photos, these two workshops are just for you! Come along to one of the ‘hands-on’ photography workshops where you will have fun learning practical processes from the team of photography professionals. You will get to feel the buzz of being in the purpose-built campus and studio space while getting tips on creating great images.

Find out more: https://explore.psc.edu.au/2022-winter-workshops

News from Monash

Important information on Medicine Interviews

Students considering applying for direct entry to medicine in 2023 are urged to take note of the following regarding the interview process:

• Selection interviews for direct entry medicine will commence in December (7, 8, and 9 December 2022) for Victorian students and the Dean’s Rural List applicants nationally
• Further interviews will be held in January 2023 for interstate and offshore domestic students, as well as Victorian students who were not interviewed in December 2022 but who have become eligible following the release of the ATAR results
• Invitations to December interviews will be based on the UCAT and the UCAT score required to be eligible to be considered will be 2900*
• Students who do not receive an interview in December should not remove medicine from their VTAC preferences as they may meet the threshold to be invited to attend an interview in January.
• Interviews will be held virtually.
• Offers of a place in medicine will be based on equal weighting of UCAT, ATAR and an Interview, and will be made in the January 2023 offer round.

This information, as well as additional details in relation to the admission process, can be found online and there is also very helpful FAQs.  For students interested in pursuing Graduate Entry Medicine, the Faculty of Science has developed a new online resource to help with understanding the progression and process.

*NOTE: The UCAT cut-off score from a preceding year is indicative only and will change with each intake depending on the distribution of scores and the number of applicants applying to Monash each year.  Therefore, the cut-off score may change for each cohort.

Competition

National Pitchfest Schools Competition

The Pitchfest Schools Competition is a nationwide, pitching competition for primary and secondary school students.  From now until December 2022, schools and students from around Australia have the opportunity to participate in a pitching competition to solve specific challenges set by companies. Students enter the competition by choosing the company category challenge and submitting their idea in the form of a one-minute pitch video.

Students will be mentored through the competition process and any student who enters the competition will have the opportunity to appear on the Pitchfest show!

Open to primary and secondary students, the competition closes on Wednesday 30 November 2022.

Find out more: https://www.spillthebeans.events/pitch-fest/

Career Spotlight

Australian Border Force Officer 

Working for the Australian Border Force (ABF) can give you the opportunity to work across the country or the world. You will be on the front line protecting Australia’s border, whether it be:

• processing passengers at an air or seaport
• clearing cargo at an air or sea port
• clearing mail at a clearance centre
• patrolling the Australian coastline in an ABF vessel
• working at a district office
• investigating illegal border activity​
• working at a detention centre
• locating and detaining unlawful non-citizens.

The Border Force Officer Recruit Training (BFORT) program is an entry-level program. It prepares you for a career in the ABF.

To apply for a Border Force Officer Recruit position you must:

• be an Australian citizen – you must show evidence of this during the recruitment process
• be 18 years of age or older
• have a minimum Year 10 Certificate with a Cert IV/Diploma level qualification or Trade Certificate and/or relevant work experience
• be able to obtain an Australian Government security clearance and an Employee Suitability Clearance​.​

BFORT positions are typically advertised twice a year, generally in May and November. However, this can change due to operational priorities.

You can read all about the role and the entry requirements, as well as keep an eye out for applications, here: https://www.abf.gov.au/about-us/careers/a-career-with-us/entry-level

Solar Technician

Renewable energy is a booming industry and set to continue growing.

As a Solar Technician, you would be assembling, installing and maintaining solar panels for residential or commercial projects, in accordance with predetermined plans, building codes, and safety restrictions.

If you would like a hands-on job that also comes with some responsibility, you enjoy technical puzzles and working outside (also at heights or in small, confined spaces), then this could be a career for you.

About you:

• Strong technical skills
• Electrical knowledge and certification
• Great customer service
• Attention to detail
• Good work ethic and ability to work alone

The job:

• Assess the job site, identify and resolve any potential hazards
• Create or interpret installation plans
• Determine parts and steps required for installation
• Install, inspect, maintain and repair solar panel systems (including all of their parts)
• Carry out electrical works required
• Carry out electrical testing necessary to install the system to ensure it works
• Fault finding, preparing quotes and fixing systems
• Weatherproofing of solar installation

Lifestyle Impact: Moderate

• Part-time opportunities: Very low – only around 10 per cent of Solar Technicians work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• Average hours for full-time workers: 45 hours a week, which is just above average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• Solar Technicians’ salary (average) $105,000* per year (source: seek.com.au). *Salaries greatly vary depending on your skills and experience.
• Future career growth: Strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
• You will be doing a lot of work outdoors, in all kinds of weather.
• This job has high physical demands, so being fit and strong is a huge advantage.

How to become a Solar Technician in Australia

To become a Solar Technician, you will first need to train as an Electrician, then obtain further accreditation.

Find out more here – https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What options are there for career progression?

The Clean Energy Council offers lots of different types of accreditation – you might even like to look at moving into other renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro and battery.

Do I need to go to university to become a Solar Technician?

No, you do not need to go to university to become a Solar Technician. However, you will need to complete VET training, as well as other accredited qualifications.

Where do Solar Technicians work?

Solar Technicians can work in a huge variety of environments. You might work for a private company or a government body, installing different systems such as for homes and businesses, to large-scale solar farms.

What are three things I can do right now to help me become a Solar Technician?

If you are in secondary school and you would like to find out if a career as a Solar Technician is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:

1. Start getting hands-on with a variety of different technologies and learn about how solar energy works. See if you can work on some small (and safe) electrical projects at home.
2. See if you can find work experience in construction or environmental fields. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
3. Talk to a Solar Technician to see what a day in their life is like. If you do not know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in renewable energy.

Gap Year

Overseas Experience with GVI

Thinking of taking a gap year once you finish school? Maybe you would like to travel and see the world while making a difference at the same time. You can with GVI – they offer a variety of volunteering abroad programs, where you can do anything from working with endangered animals to teaching English to kids.

If you still need some more convincing, read Brooklyn’s story below about her experience with GVI:

Hi there! Brooklyn here from GVI.

I’ve just returned from visits to GVI’s bases in Thailand and the team asked me to share some of my story with you. I’m going to be honest – when I finished school, I had absolutely NO idea what I wanted to do with my life.  I grew up in the UK and always loved animals, but somehow ended up working as a personal shopper. I was unhappy. I craved real connections and longed to be closer to nature.  And that’s literally how it felt when I joined my first GVI program in Curieuse, Seychelles.

Suddenly, I was contributing to conservation projects with a group of GVI change-makers on a tropical island with no roads or shops. There were more giant tortoises around me than humans!  I’ve joined seven more programs at GVI hubs all over the world since then. I even convinced my dad to go on a GVI program to teach English to novice Buddhist monks.

Over the years, I’ve been a participant, an ambassador, a country expert, a field staff member and an outreach manager with GVI. I’ve been stretched, liberated, transformed, inspired, supported and guided.  And, like thousands of other global citizens, I call GVI my fam now.

Learn more about the programs on offer through GVI Australia here: https://www.gviaustralia.com.au/

Casual Work Opportunities

If you would like to obtain a casual job the best place to start is by asking around.  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.  Do you have a resume? If you need help preparing it please come and see me in the Careers office or view the Skills Road or Youth Central sites listed below.  It is also worth looking online, you can view employment opportunities at the following websites:

Warragul opportunities:

Kmart, https://bit.ly/2Y8U2Rd

McDonald’s, https://bit.ly/380Uvtb
Bunnings, https://bit.ly/2LfB2Ls

Flavorite Tomatoes, https://www.flavorite.com.au/careers
KFC, https://bit.ly/33N7mM1
Woolworths, https://bit.ly/2RptgTp

Coles, https://bit.ly/383OETN

Morwell/Traralgon opportunities:

Woolworths, https://bit.ly/2RptgTp

Coles, https://bit.ly/383OETN

Kmart, https://bit.ly/2Y8U2Rd

McDonald’s, https://bit.ly/380Uvtb
Bunnings, https://bit.ly/2LfB2Ls

Sportsgirl, https://bit.ly/2RfT2cC

Hungry Jacks, https://bit.ly/2qkwIU8

Donut King, https://bit.ly/2YbqYIy

Cotton On, https://bit.ly/2LjebPj

Job seeking resources
For excellent job seeking tips and resume/cover letter templates, check out the resources at the following two websites:
Skillsroad, www.skillsroad.com.au
Youth Central, www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au

Rights and responsibilities
Know your rights and responsibilities when starting a new job, www.fairwork.gov.au

Tax File Number (TFN)
If you do not have a TFN, you will need to apply for one via the Australian Tax Office, www.ato.gov.au

Job options
Also, check out job options at the ‘Explore Careers’ website, https://explorecareers.com.au/