In this issue

Term 3 is always a very busy time for our senior students. Students from Years 9 to 11 have selected their subjects for 2024 and our Year 12 students are making their applications for university through VTAC or the relevant TAC for each state.  This is also the time when universities run their Open Days for students to get on campus and see what each university has to offer.  Students may attend Open Days at any age, you do not need to wait until VCE, it is a great way to see what options are available, especially if you have no idea what to study after school. See the link below for Open Day dates or check via your preferred university’s website.

Another great way for students to get ideas about the world of work is to undertake work experience. This can be done during the September school holidays and allows students the opportunity to experience what a full day/week of being a (insert career here) is like. Not only do students get a real-life example of what it is like in that role, they can also include those experiences on their resumes.

If students are struggling to think of options or unsure of how to start the process, please contact the Careers office and we can point you in the right direction. If you are a community member who would be keen to host a student interested in your field, please make contact with me.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Sarah Luck
Head of Careers
sluck@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

VTAC

If you need help with the VTAC application process (Victorian courses), VTAC is running the following live webinars to assist students and families with applications:

30 August – Nursing and midwifery applicants
5 September – Pathways
12 September – VTAC application process

To register for an upcoming session, visit https://www.vtac.edu.au/events

Watch information videos via VTAC Media

Get help with the UAC application process (NSW and Canberra courses)
The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) processes course applications on behalf of most tertiary institutes in NSW and Canberra. UAC staff are running a series of live webinars to assist students and families with applications.

Register for an upcoming session here:  www.uac.edu.au/schools/uac-digital

Other states
Students can access information about course applications via:

Applying for nursing or midwifery?

Once you have applied for a nursing or midwifery course via VTAC, you will be required to complete the ‘Nursing and Midwifery Declaration Form’. This is located in your VTAC account under ‘Making an Application’.

Applying for a course that requires a folio, interview, design task or audition?

Once you add the course/s to your VTAC preference list and submit your application, you will be emailed information about the additional selection criteria you need to complete. Check the inbox in your VTAC account for up-to-date information. The university you are applying to may have folio and audition preparation sessions – contact them to find out.

Courses with early closing dates
The following courses have early closing dates via VTAC:

• Monash University: direct Medicine courses.
• University of Melbourne: Fine Arts and Music.

Course applications must be submitted by Thursday 28 September www.vtac.edu.au/early-close

Key Dates
VTAC timely applications are now open, applications must be submitted by 28 September at 5:00 pm.

You can also download the VTAC Quick Reference Guide for Year 12 Students or a postcard with key dates.

VTAC Year 12 Guides 2024
The online VTAC Year 12 Guide and the downloadable VTAC Tertiary Research Guide are designed to provide students with useful information regarding course research and the application processes for entry to tertiary study in Victoria in 2024.  Year 12 students are encouraged to browse both resources and begin to familiarise themselves with what lies ahead over the coming months.  This includes requests for special consideration (SEAS), scholarship applications and other supporting documentation that may be required by institutions.

As already mentioned to Year 12 students, you need to create an account through VTAC to apply for university and some TAFE courses.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)
You will need to create a USI number to be able to apply for courses via the state-based Tertiary Admission Centres. To create yours go to, Get a USI
If you have studied a VET subject at school or a short course, you will already have one – you can retrieve your number via, www.usi.gov.au

Open Days 

Many universities are holding Open Days during August. For a full list click here or look up the website of the university you are interested in applying to: Open Days

Career Events and Information Sessions

Drama and Theatre Arts Information Session
Melbourne Polytechnic offers exciting vocational courses in:

• Costume Design
• Live Production
• Specialist Make-up Services
• Theatre Arts

The institute is running an online information session for prospective students and families on Tuesday 29 August at 4:30 pm
Register here: Information Session

Monash University Business Explorer Program
This is a free program for students who are keen to explore course and career options in business.  You will participate in three hands-on sessions from the following course areas:

• Accounting
• Banking and Finance
• Analytics, Stats and Actuarial Studies
• Economics
• Management
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship

The program will be held on Wednesday 27 September at the Clayton campus.

Register your interest via Business Explorer

Girls Programming Network 

The University of Melbourne is running a free workshop for girls who are interested in programming. No experience in coding is needed. The event will be held at the Parkville campus on Saturday 2 September from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm. The event will fill quickly, so register ASAP at: Girl’s Programming

Interested in working in Theatre, Film or Television?

If you would like to apply to any of the following institutes, applications are now open:

NIDA
The National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) offers courses in areas such as Acting, Costume Design, Design for Performance, Technical Theatre, Properties and Objects, and Staging. Applications are now open, www.nida.edu.au

WAAPA
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) offers courses in areas such as Aboriginal Performance, Acting, Arts Management, Dance, Music, Music Theatre, Performing Arts, and Production and Design. Applications are now open, www.waapa.ecu.edu.au

Victorian College of the Arts
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) offers courses in areas such as Acting and Theatre, Dance, Design and Production, Film and Television, Indigenous Art and Culture, Music Theatre, Visual Art and Writing. Applications are now open, https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/vca

Applications for most courses at these institutes will be based on an audition, interview and/or folio. Please take note of key application closing dates and provide all required information with your application.

VCE Revision Lectures 

Monash University is running VCE revision lectures at the Clayton campus during the September holidays at a cost of $10 which includes a set of comprehensive revision notes to be used throughout the session. The following subjects will be run on these dates:

• Mathematical Methods – Monday 25 September
• Biology – Tuesday 26 September
• Physics – Wednesday 27 September
• Chemistry – Thursday 28 September

Book your place via VCE revision lectures

University News

Bachelor of Physiotherapy through the Monash Guarantee
ACU has just recently announced that the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at its Ballarat campus will now be taking applications through the ACU Guarantee.

Offers will be made during the second round on Friday 22 September 2023.

The ATAR for Physiotherapy is 86.90 for Ballarat – if students apply for this course through ACU Guarantee and are successful, the ATAR requirement is removed completely, along with the English prerequisite.

Bachelor of Educational Studies
The Bachelor of Educational Studies has been designed for domestic and international students who are passionate about becoming teachers, but do not achieve the entry requirements to go directly into their desired pre-service teaching degree.

Although the three-year Bachelor of Educational Studies allows students to gain a qualification to work in education-related fields other than teaching, it is also designed as a pathway for students who wish to consider future study in teaching in Early Childhood and Primary Education.  Eligible students who successfully complete their first year of study (subject to meeting certain progression and non-academic requirements) may apply for transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Education suite.  Students who complete the three years of study may be eligible to progress to a postgraduate Initial Teacher Education qualification.

Find out more at Bachelor of Educational Studies.

The University of Melbourne – 2024 Admissions Update
Access Melbourne for 2024 – guaranteed entry

Students who have experienced a disadvantage may qualify for the Access Melbourne program by completing a Special Consideration (SEAS) application via VTAC.

Applicants who qualify under SEAS in the following categories will be guaranteed entry into courses with lower ATARs, providing they meet course prerequisites and preference the courses via VTAC correctly.

• Resident of a regional or remote area
• Disadvantaged financial background
• Recognition as an Indigenous Australian

ATARs on the right: Indigenous Australian

Applicants will need to tick yes for category 1 of SEAS (Personal Information and Location) in their VTAC account and submit the form by Friday 6 October.

Information, University of Melbourne SEAS

Access Melbourne – Study Score Consideration
Current Year 12 applicants who wish to receive study score consideration will need to also provide a statement using the VTAC Personal Form. Students may be eligible for lower guaranteed ATARs based on their study score results. For information on eligibility, visit Study Score Eligibility

Bachelor of Health Sciences
The need for health professionals is growing. You can prepare for a career in the health industry with a flexible curriculum and diverse majors in La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Health Sciences.  From 2024, the Environmental Health major will be added to the suite of majors that students can choose from:

• Environmental Health (new)
• Health Promotion
• Health, Wellbeing and Performance
• Human Physiological Sciences
• Psychological Science
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Counselling
• Climate Change

After graduation, Health Sciences students will be equipped to pursue a wide range of careers across the health industry, including as a public health manager, health promotion coordinator or occupational health and safety officer.

Students can use their Health Sciences degree to enter graduate entry courses such as Master of Audiology or Master of Physiotherapy at La Trobe.  They can find out more from a course adviser at the upcoming Open Day.

For further information visit: Bachelor of Health Sciences.

Information Technology (Professional Practice)

The Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice) is an innovative program that has been developed in conjunction with industry to produce graduates who have an appreciation of the culture of work as an IT professional.  From the second year of the program, students will combine university studies and practical experience with IBM or Kyndryl.  Students will receive a minimum of 1,600 hours of industry experience, and $47,000 in scholarships and salary as part of the program.

Students who apply for this course – VTAC code: 3700537201 (Mt Helen campus) – will be eligible for consideration.  All applicants must attend an interview to be considered for selection.

Details about the interview process will be communicated to applicants via email after the close of timely VTAC applications – 28 September 2023.

New Pathway for Criminology Enthusiasts at Australian Catholic University

The new Diploma in Criminology at ACU can help students gain credit towards their first year of study and seamlessly transition into the second year of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.  Alternatively, students can exit with a standalone qualification to add to their resume.

Graduate Outcomes at ACU
ACU’s courses are designed to ensure its students develop the skills and confidence they need to launch their careers.  Below are a few highlights from a recent survey that shows ACU students’ employment rates four months after graduating from ACU:

• 94% of the teaching graduates employed*
• 91% of the nursing graduates employed*
• 100% of the physiotherapy graduates employed**
• 98% of the occupational therapy graduates employed*
• 95% of the early childhood graduates employed*
• 97% of the speech pathology graduates employed*

*2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey, overall employment for domestic undergraduates, four months after graduating
**2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey, full-time employment for domestic undergraduates, four months after graduating

Youth Programs

Ocean Youth Program
This amazing program is for young people who are passionate about ocean and marine life sustainability and conservation. You will participate in nature-based experiences and skills-building workshops and pitch your ideas for ocean conservation. For information, visit: Ocean Youth Program

Portsea Camp
The Camp runs weekend and holiday activities for children such as kayaking, snorkelling, high ropes, beach walks, sports etc. Young people are invited to apply to volunteer at the camps. This is a fantastic opportunity for secondary school students to get experience in outdoor leadership. For further details visit: Portsea Camp

St John’s Cadet – Youth Program
The St John’s Cadet Youth Program is affiliated with St John Ambulance Australia. It offers young people aged 11 to 17 an opportunity to develop first aid and leadership skills. Cadets participate in training, drills, and community service, learn essential medical techniques and gain practical experience. The program is ideally suited to young people interested in pursuing careers in healthcare or emergency services. For further details visit: Cadets

Studying a Common First Year in Engineering 

Three Victorian universities offer a common first year in their Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree.  The advantage of a common first year is that students get to explore various specialisations in their first year, preparing them to choose an engineering field in their second year.  So, students get a taste of the various engineering specialisations on offer before deciding which to pursue from the second year.

Monash University – Engineering
Monash offers ten engineering specialisations and all but the Biomedical Engineering specialisation, participate in the common first year.

RMIT University – Engineering
RMIT offers twelve specialisations, all of which are accessible after the common first year.

Swinburne University – Engineering
Swinburne offers eight engineering majors, and in the common first year, students complete a number of core units that assist them in choosing their major.

Victoria Police – Changes to Entry Requirements 

To ensure young people have the best chance of success, Victoria Police has made the following changes to their recruitment process:

• Exemption from the entrance exam for those with a relevant Australian university bachelor’s degree (arts, science, humanities or business) within the last five years.
• Removal of the requirement for completion of Year 12 prior to applying.
• The initial psychological assessment can now be done online; and
• Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required.

Recruitment specialists are hosting an online information session for members of the community who are interested in a career with Victoria Police on Monday 4 September 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

Register your place via Police Careers

Bachelor of Business Administration

To keep up with strong industry needs, companies are looking for graduates with strong business administration skills to improve day-to-day operations.

This course focuses on job readiness, to give students the practical skills they need to operate effectively in business environments.  In this course, students can choose from the following majors, extended majors and minors.  Some are only available as minors or only in certain locations, so click through to see the full details.

• Accountancy
• Business Administration Studies
• Economics and Business Decisions
• Finance and Economics
• Management Practice
• Marketing and Communications

The VCE requirements are Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; and Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics or Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics.  An ATAR of around 70.00 is required.

Find out more at Bachelor of Business Administration

Apprenticeship vs Traineeship

What is the difference between an Apprenticeship and Traineeship?  Which one should a student apply for?  Both apprenticeships and traineeships offer a structured pathway into a career of choice. However, there are three key differences:

• range of occupations
• completion time and
• legal requirements

Each of these should be carefully considered when deciding which is the right option.

Range of Occupations
While traineeships are available in a broad range of occupations, apprenticeships are offered in skilled trades only.  For example, you can complete a traineeship in a diverse set of fields including:

• Business (for example business administration, marketing, accounting)
• Technology (for example information technology, telecommunications, digital media)
• Trades (for example plant operator, warehouse operation, hairdressing).

Apprenticeships are also offered across a broad range of industries, including:

• Building and Construction
• Electrical
• Engineering Fabrication
• Engineering Manufacturing
• Horticulture
• Plumbing

Completion Time
Apprenticeships are full-time commitments and are awarded after a fixed period of time.  For example, an Electrical Apprenticeship will generally take four years, however this can be shortened by up to six months, depending on circumstances.
Traineeships can be full-time or part-time.  Because traineeships are competency-based, completion is dependent on achieving and demonstrating a level of competency in all of the required modules.  In general, a traineeship is usually completed within one to two years, but it may take more or less time depending on the role, employee and number of hours worked.  On the other hand, apprenticeships are awarded after a set timeframe, which for most trades, is four years.

Legal Requirements
When a student signs up for an apprenticeship, the level of commitment made by both them and their employer is different to a traineeship.  As an apprentice, upon signing the contract, their employer is committing to employ the student for the full term of their apprenticeship – and if they sell the business while the apprentice is working towards completion, the new owner must continue with the training contract.  After the probationary period is up (usually 90 days) the contract can be cancelled, but all parties (apprentice and employer) must agree.

As a trainee, the employer must keep the trainee on for the term of their traineeship, however, either party can cancel the contract before it is complete (mutual agreement is not needed).  In addition, if the business is sold, the new owners are not obliged to continue employment. 

Understand the Differences Before You Commit
Both apprenticeships and traineeships provide a fantastic way to learn on the job – and as an added bonus, one gets paid for it too!  So, when weighing up the two, it is important to consider the field one wishes to pursue, how long they are ready to commit to it, and what the legal implications are.
Find out more at NECA Education – Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

Media, Communication and Journalism Degrees in Victoria in 2023

Many universities in Victoria offer advertising, media, media and communication, and/or journalism degrees and many of these are listed below.  These areas of interest are often also offered as majors in Arts degrees.  Note: An English subject is usually the only prerequisite subject for entry.  For a comprehensive list of all courses (including double-degree options) visit VTAC.

University Snapshot – Central Queensland University Melbourne Campus

Central Queensland University has a campus in Melbourne adjacent to Southern Cross Station. The campus specialises in business, management, public health, engineering, information technology and information systems. It also runs hands-on programs including sonography and paramedic science. In regional Victoria, the university has a partnership with Western District Health Services in Hamilton, offering clinical skills labs and residential schools for regionally based Bachelor of Nursing students, as well as a partnership with Rural Industries Skills Training, offering pathways into the Bachelor of Agriculture.

CQUniversity Melbourne features modern open learning spaces, classroom and computer labs equipped with best-practice audio-visual equipment for teaching and tutorials and dedicated space for student recreation.

The campus facilities include:

• The latest presentation and audio-visual equipment
• High-tech multimedia labs
• State-of-the-art medical sonography labs with simulated clinic environment and the latest ultrasound equipment
• Campus library including access to extensive online databases across academic fields.

CQU Melbourne offers a range of courses and of particular note, is the Bachelor of Medical Sonography and Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography