The year might be winding up but there is still a lot of careers news for you to check out.  Happy reading!

Mrs Deb Cumming
Head of Careers

Change of Preference

Year 12 students

Change of Preference (CoP) gives you the chance to add, delete and reorder your university and/or TAFE preferences.

If you receive an offer, you will be offered the course highest on your preference list you are eligible for (providing you have met the ATAR and selection criteria requirements).

It is also the last chance you have to make sure your preference list reflects what you would like to study in the future.

The Good Universities Guide is running online Change of Preference Expos in each state to assist students through this process.

The expos will be online, enabling students to connect directly with university and TAFE staff, regardless of whether you are celebrating your results at the beach, relaxing in between movies or shopping.

For information on dates and how to register, visit, https://events.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/

 

Accessing 2020 VCE Results

VCE study scores, ATAR and VTAC Scaled Study Scores will be available to students via the Results and ATAR website and the Results and ATAR app on Wednesday 30 December 2020 at 7:00 am.   Students will receive a statement of VCE study scores from VCAA and those who applied for courses through VTAC this year and have paid their VTAC processing fee, will be sent an ATAR statement in the mail.

Students who wish to receive their results online will need to register at, https://resultsandatar.vic.edu.au/results/applicants.htm before results are released.

Registrations are already open and students are encouraged to register soon.

Note:  To register, students need their VCAA student number and will be requested to choose a secure password upon registering.

 

The A to Z of VET

Celebrating alternative pathways into STEM
University not for you?  Bagging a bachelor’s degree is not the only way to kickstart a career in STEM.  Careers With STEM have written an article celebrating alternative pathways into next-gen careers (think: certificates, diplomas and internships) and equipping you with the knowledge needed to look out of the box when sussing out study options.  Visit, https://careerswithstem.com.au/the-a-z-of-vet/

 

Campion College Summer Program

Students who are sixteen years of age and above are invited to apply for the Campion College Summer Program.  The program gives interested students the opportunity to live college life for five days and nights before they make any long-term tertiary decisions.  Participants will explore subjects such as literature, Latin, history, philosophy and theology, to name a few.  Students are encouraged to explore their Catholic faith and develop leadership skills.
When:  5 to 8 or 12 to 15 January 2021
Where:  Toongabbie, NSW (program includes accommodation)
Information and RSVP:  www.campion.edu.au/summer-program/

 

Career websites

My Health Career
My Health Career is a fantastic website that has career resources such as information sheets and videos about careers in several health fields.  Visit,  www.myhealthcareer.com.au

Student Edge
This website features competitions, information on how to secure a job, occupation profiles and advice on how to narrow down career interests based on study areas.  Visit,  https://studentedge.org/

Skillsroad
Students can explore courses, occupations and industries.  They can also undertake a mini career quiz and research occupations based on their favourite subjects.  Visit,  www.skillsroad.com.au

Good Careers Guide
Students can search over four hundred different occupations narrowed down by the field or type of work they would like to do in the future (for example helping/advising, creative/artistic).  They can also research ‘career ladders’ and take an aptitude test to assist in narrowing down career ideas.  Visit,  www.goodcareersguide.com.au/

Course Seeker
The Course Seeker website contains a national course comparison tool that allows students to search, select and compare higher education courses and filter search results by ATAR, study area and location.  Visit,  www.courseseeker.edu.au

Australian Public Service (APS)
The APS offers a huge range of careers.  As one of the biggest employers in Australia, it offers careers to suit just about anyone.  You can search for graduate opportunities and general entry jobs via the website.  Visit,  www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/

MyGain
Check out this YouTube channel to watch videos about apprenticeships, traineeships, profiles of people working in different industries, employers, and apprenticeship and group training companies.  Visit,  http://bit.ly/1NC2fUS

 

Interesting articles from ‘The Footnotes’

Fashion
•  Junior buyer at an online shop
•  How to make money from Instagram: a career as an influencer
•  Question: I want to be in fashion but not in a design role – what are my options?
•  Day in the life of a fashion designer: Meet Jill Boustred
•  What interning at Sass and Bide was like
•  Day in the life of a fashion editor
https://thefootnotes.com.au/careers/fashion/

Psychology
•  If you are considering studying psychology, stop and read this
•  QnA with a clinical psychologist working with eating disorder and anxiety patients
•  What do you actually learn studying psychology?
•  Mental health interests me: addiction counsellor versus clinical psychologist versus psychiatric technician
•  What is studying psychology really like?
https://thefootnotes.com.au/careers/psychology/

Business and Economics
•  QnA: From Google to Tik Tok to venture capital in London
•  From earning $48,500 in consulting to $82,000 in talent management
•  I did a business degree but do not know what I can actually DO
•  How to get a graduate job at a bank
•  Working at Deloitte – what it is like and how to get in
•  Finance and accounting degrees are different – here is how
https://thefootnotes.com.au/careers/business-economics/

Medical Science
•  Careers in pharmaceutical biotech
•  QnA with a blood researcher.  What he does and how to get in
•  What is studying medicine really like?  QnA with a medicine student from UNSW
•  How to become a doctor (step by step)
•  Roundtable discussion – the true value of medical science
•  Dinner with Charlie Teo – life as a brain surgeon
https://thefootnotes.com.au/careers/medicine/

 

Free online career planning and job seeker program

The team at My Career Match have developed a free program for secondary school students that is broken into five key categories:
•  Career planning
•  Promoting yourself
•  Getting a job
•  Personal development
•  Wellness
Students can choose which categories and lessons they would like to work through.  Visit, www.blastoff.mycareermatch.com.au

 

Competitions

Add to your resume and have fun by entering!

Dream with PSC
Photography Studies College
(PSC) are running a photography competition for students in Years 11 and 12.  This competition provides an opportunity for students to create a ‘dream image’ that will be seen by a national and international audience.  Applications are due by Friday 4 December.  Visit,  http://explore.psc.edu.au/dream-with-psc

 

Would you like to work with computers?

Monash University offers courses in computer science, information technology and software engineering.  Monash has produced a video explaining the differences between the courses led by the Monash Bachelor of Computer Science course director.  Visit,  https://youtu.be/5JQjT9xCJ_w

 

Do you have a passion for agriculture?

If you are in Years 9 to 12 and are planning to study agricultural science in the future, you can join The University of Melbourne ‘Pre-Ag Club’.

You will be able to:
•  Attend university run lectures and practical sessions
•  Meet with leading academics and students
•  Connect with students who share your interests
•  Discover the benefits of a career in agricultural sciences.
https://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/pre-ag-club

 

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,  www.endeavour.edu.au/events

Macleay College
Macleay is located in Melbourne.  The college is running the following course information session for prospective students.
25 November:  Business and Accounting
Information and RSVP:  www.macleay.edu.au

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://aie.edu.au/

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.
Information and RSVP:  https://engitshowcase.com/

 

University versus Apprenticeship

Riley Payne’s story
University or apprenticeship?  Degree or trade qualification?  Both take roughly the same time to complete and are completely different styles of learning.  If you enjoy hands-on learning, gaining an income whilst gaining a qualification and do not want to sit in a classroom each day, you should consider an apprenticeship.

Not only will you be debt free after three to four years but you will also have a nationally recognised qualification, be able to work in your trade area anywhere in Australia and in most cases, be able to go straight into full-time paid employment in your industry.

Meet Riley Payne.  He completed the VCE with a strong ATAR.  He had planned to go to university to study engineering but when he really analysed his passions and preferred learning style, he decided to pursue an apprenticeship.

“Originally, I was considering going to university to study Aerospace Engineering, as I am passionate about aviation and design.  There are a few reasons why I opted to head down the trade pathway even after being accepted into my university course.

Learning Style
I am a practical person and I love handson learning, building and construction.  University would provide me with a great theoretical side to what I wanted to know but it greatly lacked the hands-on learning style that I have found is most suited to me.

Time
The university course that I was considering is a four-year course as most engineering courses are.  Generally, apprenticeships have a similar duration of four years, however the accelerated apprenticeship initiative works on competency-based progression.

This means that if you can complete your TAFE and your employer deems you competent, then you can theoretically accelerate through the apprenticeship much quicker than the standard four years.  As I had a lot of practical experience growing up, I thought this could be very beneficial.

Money
Although apprentice wages may be low initially, they quickly increase as your skills and apprenticeship status change.  The possibility of earning money outside of work through your skills may also be an option for some apprentices.  When compared to a university course where you are paying to learn or acquiring a HECS debt, getting paid to learn even if it is a low rate is much more appealing.

Completing a trade gives you many more financial options and the possibility to invest if you are disciplined.  Qualified tradespeople also have the opportunity to make quite reasonable yearly salaries in many instances.

Skilled workers shortage
With an ageing workforce, skilled workers will be in high demand in the coming years.  With more students than ever opting to head to university instead of taking on a trade, it means that job availability should be good for the foreseeable future.  This gives me some sense of security in knowing that I should be able to fall back on my trade if I have to.

Getting to where I wanted to be
As I mentioned at the start I am interested in aviation and design as well as many other mechanical subjects.  University would have provided me with a set syllabus and strict requirements which would be fantastic for the specific jobs that it is designed for, however I wanted a more personalised pathway that would allow me to learn what I was truly interested in.

The fact that each year of university consists of roughly three months of holidays may be enticing to some but it seemed pointless to me and showed that the course could be completed in a far more condensed time frame.

Basically, I decided that anything I could not learn through my apprenticeship I would be able to find the resources to self-teach meaning I was learning exactly what I wanted to.”

 

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways

This website contains fantastic resources for young people interested in pursuing a professional trade or traineeship.  Some of the resources include:
•  Job and training descriptions
•   Career interest explorer
•  Job pathway charts
•  Information on apprenticeships and school-based apprenticeships
•  Literacy and numeracy quizzes for different industries such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and hairdressing.
To explore the website visit, www.aapathways.com.au

 

Four steps to finding an apprenticeship or traineeship

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways has developed a fantastic four-step process for students to follow when seeking an apprenticeship or traineeship.  Visit,  www.aapathways.com.au/job-hunting/steps

 

Prepare for an apprenticeship

What to do whilst you are still at school

Work Experience
You can complete up to forty days of work experience per year once you turn fifteen.

Be resourceful
Speak to your career adviser, parents, teachers, family friends, people in industry – everyone!  Get their advice, use their knowledge and make up your own mind.

VCAL
Consider studying the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and/or one or two VET subjects

Subjects
Find out what subjects you will need for your future trade for example, Mathematics, Physics or Science.

SBAT
Consider starting a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) in an area of interest, this will cut the time it will take to complete your qualification once you leave school.

Talk to past students
Talk to past students of your school who are working in occupations you are interested in.  They will give you a picture of what working in the industry is like, how they got into their course or secured their apprenticeship/traineeship and will be able to give you great advice.

 

Students in Year 10

Schools Recommendation Schemes
Did you know that if you want to apply for early entry to several universities in NSW and Canberra, selection will be based on your Year 11 results, not Year 12?  Students with a successful early entry application may receive an ‘unconditional offer’, meaning they will receive a guaranteed offer before they receive their VCE/HSC results.  For information, visit the Schools Recommendation Schemes website here, https://bit.ly/34XIdkl

 

Free and low-cost TAFE courses

Year 12 students
Not sure what to do next year?  TAFE courses are an excellent way to get industry experience, a job-ready qualification, connect with industry experts, develop career ideas and depending on the course entry into university study.

The NSW and Victorian State Governments have funded free and low-cost TAFE courses for eligible Year 12 graduates.  Explore your options below:

Victorian residents – Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe

NSW residents – Summer Skills program, https://bit.ly/3kHHaLf

 

The University of Melbourne – Fine Arts and Music

Stay up to date with the latest happenings at The University of Melbourne Faculty of Fine Arts and Music and learn about the work of researchers, artists, performers and production specialists.  Visit,  https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/news

 

 

Passionate about sport?

Enjoy playing sport and would like to combine your sports career with study in 2021?  The following are three programs you may like to explore:

Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership  
This is a partnership program between Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University.  As part of the twelve-month program, students will study a dual Diploma in Sports Development and Leadership and Management.  Campuses are at Richmond, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga.  Visit, www.richmondinstitute.com.au

Carlton College of Sport
This is a partnership program between Carlton Football Club and La Trobe University.  As part of the twelve-month program, students will study a university Diploma in either Sports Coaching and Development or Elite Sports Business.  Classes will be held at Ikon Park, Carlton Football Club grounds and La Trobe University, Bundoora.  Visit, https://carltoncollegeofsport.com.au/

St Kilda Football Club/Holmesglen Institute
Students will study a dual Diploma of Sports Development and Diploma of Events Management through Holmesglen Institute, Moorabbin, and study at both Holmesglen and St Kilda Football Club.  Visit, https://bit.ly/2Ol4Bfq

 

Increasing the chance of gaining graduate employment

Interested in going to university?  It is important you are aware that around twenty-eight per cent of university graduates are without full-time employment within four months of graduation and that around a fifth report they are ‘underemployed’.

Underemployed refers to graduates who are employed in casual or part-time employment and would like to be in full-time employment.

The Good Universities Guide
This guide should be consulted when researching undergraduate degrees.  It contains rankings and ratings for individual courses and universities.

This year, the top five universities for highest full-time employment rate post-graduation were: Charles Sturt University (eighty-seven per cent), Charles Darwin University (eighty-three per cent), James Cook University (eighty per cent), Central Queensland University (eighty per cent) and University of Sydney (seventy-nine per cent).

It is also important for students to research graduate employment data for specific occupations, bust through myths about what degrees ‘get jobs’ and then work out what they can do now and during university to improve their chances of gaining post graduate employment in their desired field.

What can you do to increase your chances of graduate employment?  It starts with you in secondary school.  It is critical that you develop skills in how to a) manage your career journey and also b) develop skills and attributes that are desirable to employers.

The following are tips to consider:
WHAT YOU CAN DO IN SECONDARY SCHOOL
Tip 1)
  Build your resume through participating in career development activities such as:
•  Secure casual or part-time employment
•  Volunteer for community programs such as the Country Fire Authority, Young Lions, Scouts, Defence Force Cadets, St Johns Ambulance Cadets, State Emergency Service, to name a few.
•  Play sport
•  Participate in leadership and community service activities at school
•  Participate in community-based fundraising activities.
•  Complete an overseas exchange program
•  Participate in a leadership program such as The Young Endeavour

Tip 2)  Meet with your Career Adviser regularly
The more you meet with your adviser, the better they will know you and the better advice they will be able to give.  Start in the junior years and work together in partnership with your family through regular meetings until you exit school.

Tip 3)  Plan your university program carefully
Studying at university is not cheap.  Aside from the course costs, you will need to invest in textbooks, printing credit, transport, a computer, internet data and for students who have to move away to study, you will be investing roughly $20,000 to $30,000 per year on accommodation and living expenses.

For courses that have a lot of unpaid work placement requirements, it will be difficult to maintain consistent employment and thus, consistent income.  Some courses will require you to be at university for five to six years, which will place a greater strain on you financially.

It is important that you plan out what you would like to study carefully to start with and then to find an undergraduate degree that is going to give you the best chance of graduate employment.

The first step is to identify what you would like to study.  Remember, that in a time of rapid change with the world of work and technology, the occupations you can imagine yourself doing now may not exist in five to six years’ time or there may be new ones you would be suited to.

Your career adviser will be able to assist you to explore courses based on your interests.  There are many courses available and ones that you may not have considered yet.

Once you have identified the type of course you would like to study, you will then need to find the right undergraduate degree at the right university.  Look for courses that offer work experience, career development programs, overseas exchange opportunities and (if relevant) are accredited.

Example 1
For example, if you want to study a degree like the Bachelor of Criminology, think carefully.  There are many criminology degrees in Victoria, Canberra and NSW and this means there will be many graduates.  How can you be competitive for graduate jobs?
Consider the following option:  Combine the degree with another field of study that has strong graduate employment outcomes such as cybersecurity or Asian languages.
The following are courses to consider:
Deakin University:  Bachelor of Cyber Security/Bachelor of Criminology, http://bit.ly/2n1viHZ
Australian National University:  Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Asian Studies (majoring in an Asian language), http://bit.ly/2h9laLj

Example 2
You would like to study a course focussed on marketing.  This is a very popular course for people to study, so what will make you stand out?  Choose a course that will give you substantial industry experience.
You could consider the following options:
Swinburne University:  Bachelor of Business (Professional) with a major in marketing.  You will be guaranteed a year of paid industry experience, http://bit.ly/2AjXf3T
RMIT University:  Bachelor of Business (Marketing) (Applied).  You can undertake a year of industry experience, http://bit.ly/2zhCyYB

Develop a plan with your career adviser and attend university open days and experience days throughout the year.

Tip 4)  Consider taking a gap year
During this year you could undertake a twelve-month traineeship in the industry you are interested in or complete a Certificate IV or Diploma level course.  This will give you twelve months to mature, save money, gain experience in the industry you are interested in and give you time to consider if you are happy with the course you have deferred.

Employers also love VET qualifications and industry experience, so this year could boost your graduate employment chances.

Example 1
Amy would like to study a law degree.  She is aware that more law graduates are being produced than ever before and that this may place pressure on the job market.  She decides to complete a traineeship in legal administration in a law firm during her gap year.

Example 2
Steve would like to be a secondary teacher.  He knows that supporting diverse learners in the classroom will be an important element of his future job.  He also knows that based on the teaching speciality he goes into, he may find it difficult to gain graduate employment.  He decides to complete a Certificate IV in Disability Studies or Education Support during his gap year at his local TAFE.

Example 3
Sarah would like to study a degree focused on rehabilitation but is not sure what course she would be suited to.  She receives an offer for Occupational Therapy but to give herself more time to be sure of her course choice, she decides to complete the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance at TAFE.  She knows that this course will provide her with a qualification, which will enable her to work as an allied health assistant whilst she is at university.

Example 4
Will would like to join the Police Force but is aware that he may not be competitive with a Year 12 qualification and little life experience.  He decides to apply for the Airbase Security Gap Year program in the Air Force.  During this year he will undertake combat training, weapons instruction, dog handling and simulated terror attacks.  This will give him more time to consider his future direction and may open up other career opportunities for him if he does not receive a place in the Police Force.

 

Education USA

Next week to celebrate International Education Week (IEW)  EducationUSA East Asia Pacific will be hosting a Virtual Week and Roadshow – an informative and engaging week-long virtual program for prospective students interested in studying in the United States.  Sessions will be starting at 7:00 pm AEDT each day for anyone interested.  Visit, bit.ly/VirtualWeekRoadShow

Some useful resources:
•  EducationUSA Australia Facebook page will continue to provide resources when they become available to support students and their families. A good place to start is the notes and live tabs at, https://www.facebook.com/EducationUSAAustralia/
•  All future sessions are advertised from the events tab on their Facebook page.  Students and families that have not yet ‘liked or ‘followed’ EdUSA Facebook page, are encouraged to do so at, https://www.facebook.com/EducationUSAAustralia/
•  EducationUSA Australia website here, https://au.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educationusa-australia/
Information uploaded will support and assist with applying to US colleges or being recruited as a student-athlete.  Information is uploaded in sections, clearly mapped ‘Applying to U.S. Colleges’ section through the five steps which are:
Step 1 – Research Your Option
Step 2 – Finance Your Studies
Step 3 – Complete Your Application
Step 4 – Apply for Your Student Visa
Step 5 – Prepare for Your Departure

WHAT’S ON Traralgon Junior School

NOVEMBER 24 November  Student Performance Day 26 November  2021 Prep Transition, 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm   NOVEMBER 1 December  Years 1 to 6 Orientation …

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WHAT’S ON Traralgon Junior School

NOVEMBER

24 November  Student Performance Day
26 November  2021 Prep Transition, 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm

 

NOVEMBER

1 December  Years 1 to 6 Orientation
3 December  ELC and Prep 2021 Orientation Day (Time to be confirmed)
4 December  Christmas Virtual Evening
7 December  Prep to Year 5 Activity Day
Year 6 Graduation Dinner

WHAT’S ON Traralgon Secondary School

NOVEMBER 23 November  Curriculum and Assessment Day (Student Free Day) 24 November to 4 December  Early Commencement, 2021 Years 8 to 10 26 November  ESP …

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WHAT’S ON Traralgon Secondary School

NOVEMBER

23 November  Curriculum and Assessment Day (Student Free Day)
24 November to 4 December  Early Commencement, 2021 Years 8 to 10
26 November  ESP – Athlete Wellbeing Seminar (AIS), 1:30 pm
30 November to 2 December   Year 7 2021 Orientation

 

DECEMBER

3 December  Presentation Assembly Rehearsal
4 December  Filming Presentation Assembly
7 December  East Timor Run
8 December  End of Term 4, 3:10 pm finish

WHAT’S ON Warragul Junior School

NOVEMBER 23 November  Student Free Day 25 to 27 November  Year 3 and Year 6 Camp to Waratah Bay 27 November  2021 Prep Transition 4 …

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WHAT’S ON Warragul Junior School

NOVEMBER

23 November  Student Free Day
25 to 27 November  Year 3 and Year 6 Camp to Waratah Bay
27 November  2021 Prep Transition 4
2021 ELC Transition Session

 

DECEMBER

7 December  Years 3, 4 and 5 Swim Trials
Year 6 Graduation Dinner
8 December  2021 Year 1 to Year 6 Orientation Day
End of Term 4, 3:20 pm finish

WHAT’S ON Warragul Secondary School

NOVEMBER 10 November to 1 December  Units 3 and 4 Exams 23 November  Curriculum and Assessment Day (Student Free Day) 24 November to 4 December  …

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WHAT’S ON Warragul Secondary School

NOVEMBER

10 November to 1 December  Units 3 and 4 Exams
23 November  Curriculum and Assessment Day (Student Free Day)
24 November to 4 December
  Early Commencement, 2021 Years 11 and 12
24 November to 8 December  Early Commencement, 2021 Years 8 to 10
25 November  VET First Aid Course, VET Sport and Recreation Units 1 and 2 students, Gym Classroom, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
26 November  Elevate Study Sessions, 2021 Year 12 students, 8:55 am to 10:25 am
ESP – Athlete Wellbeing Seminar (AIS), 1:30 pm

 

DECEMBER

3 December   Christmas Service
SRC Meeting, lunchtime
4 December  Leadership Day
2021 Years 11 and 12 Final Day of Classes
Valedictory Dinner
8 December  End of Term 4, 3:30 pm finish

 

Art Club – runs throughout the week.
To access the Art Club page, https://my.stpaulsags.vic.edu.au/homepage/10926
Students can comment in the social stream to join or email cpowell@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au