In this issue

Work Experience at school is more than just observing what goes on in a specific workplace – it can develop skills and interests students may not even know they have!  It is also a very positive inclusion on a resume, demonstrating attributes and interest to potential employers.  Even after St Paul’s – at higher education levels, Work Experience has become a very necessary part of building employability skills and industry knowledge actively sought by employers.  It reflects initiative, industry knowledge, networking, work ethic to name a few skills that employers require of their employees across the board!

Over this semester a number of our students have undertaken work experience opportunities in a variety of industries and businesses – and Year 10 student Ruby Hansen was lucky enough to be involved in a research project and given acknowledgement on the research paper to be presented! (The article can be found at end of this newsletter).  An absolutely wonderful and generous placement – and we thank all our employers who host our students and give them interesting and guided opportunities.

Using the Work Experience program whilst still at school can open up students’ awareness for a variety of career choices whether entering through the workforce, apprenticeships, TAFE or university and just where that initial choice can take you!  As Dr Alan Finkel (Australia’s previous Chief Scientist) says, the days of your degree choice dictating your career path are over.  “You might do Science but pivot into business.  You might do Engineering but pivot into Politics.  You might do Accounting but pivot into a job that hasn’t been invented yet”.  You are on a long journey with things changing all the time.  Enjoy the ride and see where your passions and interests take you!

Finding out early and giving yourself time to explore and research a diverse range of possibilities, will help in the planning of goals and pathways.  So step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

A reminder that the Work Experience green application form for the mid-year holiday break, needs to be in to the Careers Office by Tuesday 1 June to ensure all paperwork is completed in time.  If applications are received after this date, we cannot guarantee that the legal requirements for both families and employers can be met in time.

Mrs Deb Cumming
Head of Careers

Medicine and Dentistry

Reminder!  Registration for the UCAT ANZ closed on Monday 17 May but late applications close on Monday 31 May.  Please go to, https://www.ucat.edu.au/ to see if you have to sit the test and to register.

UNSW – Medicine Information Sessions
Option 1:  Virtual
The next Medicine Information Evening for Years 11 and 12 students will be held via a live stream on Monday 24 May, https://bit.ly/3eC9TRX
Option 2:  On site
The UNSW Rural Clinical School (Albury-Wodonga Campus) is hosting an information session for Years 10 to 12 students on Wednesday 26 May.  Email Anj Comb to reserve your seat, a.comb@unsw.edu.au

Purpose workshops: A unique learning opportunity for students

Tuesday 25 May 2021, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Online

What do you want to do after you have finished high school?

It is a tough question that can cause high anxiety.  It is also a question that only one in five students have a clear answer for.

But, what if you did not need an answer right now?  What if you could take away the anxiety by gaining clarity of purpose and then kick-starting a project to test it?  There is nothing that a dose of curiosity, creativity and experimentation cannot uncover.

Purpose answers the question:  What am I here to accomplish (now and in the near future, not forever!) that is meaningful to me and useful for my community and the world?

Purpose taps into what you are good at, what you love, what the world needs and how to make a living from it.  When these four things collide, anything is possible and opportunity is everywhere.

Join Carolyn Tate, Purpose Educator and author of ‘The Purpose Project’ at this experimental class to discover how to find your purpose, turn it into action and hear stories of purpose projects others are working on.

Find out more, https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/purpose-labs-a-unique-learning-opportunity-for-students-tickets-151589627657

Interested in studying business?

Did you know that several universities offer a year of industry experience as part of their undergraduate business degrees?

The following are three examples:

Victoria University
At least forty weeks of paid industry experience through the Cooperative Education program (competitive entry), http://bit.ly/2oWTNp7

Swinburne University
A guaranteed year of paid industry experience through the Bachelor of Business (Professional) degree, http://bit.ly/2pwwEM0

RMIT University
A guaranteed year of industry experience through the Applied program for Marketing, Economics and Finance, Information Systems, International Business, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management, www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/business

Australian Defence Force 

GAP YEAR PROGRAM
The Australian Defence Force Gap Year program provides an opportunity for young Australians who have finished Year 12 to experience military training and lifestyle whilst gaining new skills and pay over their Gap Year in the Army, Navy or Air Force.

You will earn more than $45,000, have subsidised accommodation and full medical and dental coverage.  The following roles still have spaces for applicants:

Army
•  Army Combat
•  Army Support
•  Army Officer

Air Force (applications close in June)
•  Administration Assistant
•  Air Force Security
•  Airfield Defence Guard
•  Aviation Support Technician
•  Warehouse Storeperson

Navy
•  Mechanical Engineer
•  Mechanical Engineering Submariner
•  Maritime Aviation Warfare Officer
•  Maritime Warfare Officer
•  Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner
•  Navy Sailor
•  Electronics Engineer
•  Electronics Engineering Submariner

For more information and to start your application go to, http://bit.ly/1dVvxxV

Key websites
Information about the recruitment process, http://bit.ly/2Tyn8Yp
Videos about the Gap Year program, http://bit.ly/3aj2ty1

GENERAL ENTRY
You can search for jobs in the Army, Navy and Air Force and start your application via the Defence Jobs website, www.defencejobs.gov.au/

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE ACADEMY (ADFA)
The following information has been copied from a Defence Force Recruiting Newsletter.

“ADFA is situated in Canberra and is a university like no other, offering combined military and leadership training, with a world-class degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

It has the best university student-to-teacher ratio in the country, amazing sports and recreational facilities and is one of Australia’s most respected universities.

Why ADFA?
•  The education and experiences of ADFA will equip you to deal with the professional and personal challenges of your chosen career
•  Be trained in the art of leadership by experienced military professionals
•  Access exceptional sporting and recreational facilities and be a part of a wide variety of sports and special-interest clubs
•  Earn your degree from UNSW
•  Choose from a range of degrees – Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Science and Technology
•  Enjoy free medical and dental, subsidised food and accommodation
•  Receive a starting salary of over $40,000 plus super while studying and no Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) fees.”

For more information on ADFA call 13 19 01 or visit, http://bit.ly/1d0fiI6

CAREER INFORMATION SESSION
For more information and dates visit, www.defencejobs.gov.au/events

Creative Arts

Bright Awards – run by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University.  Applications are now open for students in Years 10 to 12 and their school to win monetary prizes to help kick start creative dreams.  Entries close Monday 15 November, www.billyblue.edu.au/apply/bright-awards

High Achiever Scholarship Programs (Year 12)

University of Technology Sydney
The University of Technology Sydney Co-op Scholarship program is now open for the Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Information Technology for the 2022 intake.  For information and to apply go to, Bachelor of Accounting, https://bit.ly/2Wdjhzz  Bachelor of Information Technology, https://bit.ly/2TepTvH

UNSW
The UNSW Co-op Scholarship program is now open for high achieving students who plan to study in 2022 at the University of New South Wales.  The scholarships are worth almost $20,000 per year, www.coop.unsw.edu.au

Upcoming career events and webinars

La Trobe University – Experience Clever
The Albury-Wodonga Campus is hosting on-site course information sessions in the morning and virtual sessions in the afternoon.  Students will be able to choose two sessions from study areas such as: Nursing, Psychology, Business, Social Work, Arts, Biomedical Science and Paramedicine.
Date:  Wednesday 26 May
Information:  https://bit.ly/3uCb2P2

Lattitude Global Volunteering
Learn about overseas gap year volunteering programs.
Date:  Tuesday 1 June (virtual webinar)
Information:  https://bit.ly/3y6gAnk

Meet Melbourne Uni – Warragul
Wednesday 23 June 2021, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Come and chat with them in person about studying at Melbourne.
Join staff at ‘Meet Melbourne’ to learn about their unique Melbourne curriculum and how breadth and majors can design a degree as unique as you, setting yourself up for a successful career.
Find out about student life initiatives, university accommodation, our wellbeing and support services and how we can support you making your new home in Melbourne, opportunities in and outside of the classroom, such as concurrent diplomas, work-integrated learning, internships, exchange and our suite of competitive scholarships.
Access Melbourne, their special entry access scheme, that offers guaranteed entry to eligible students from rural and regional areas and those with a disadvantaged financial background.
Find out more, https://study.unimelb.edu.au/connect-with-us/events-for-future-students

What is Mechatronics and Robotics?

According to the Excel Education website, these specialised roles are defined accordingly:

Mechatronics
Mechatronics is an essential foundation for the expected growth in automation and manufacturing.  It is the best of both worlds where electrical and mechanical realms complement each other to create a good system.  To put it simply, you need to have good electronics skills in order to have an even better mechanical design when it comes to robotics and mechatronics and vice versa.  Mechanic engineers and electronic engineers are both specialists in their own major.  However mechatronic engineers need to take both mechanical and electronic into account because they need to have a broader view of the overall design.

Robotics
Robotics is closely related to design and construction, as well as computer systems mainly focusing on the control, sensory feedback, and information processing.  It involves the concept of Programming, Mathematics, Design, Electronics and much more.  Robotic engineers deal with creating robots and robotic systems mainly to make impossible duties to be possible and difficult duties to be convenient.  Particularly in the manufacturing industry, robotics engineers help to make jobs safer, easier and more efficient for human beings.

Robotics can be considered as part of Mechatronics as it similarly involves these mechanical, electronics and computer engineering fields.  Mathematically, robotics is the subset of mechatronics set.  In simple words, all robotic systems are mechatronic systems but not all mechatronic systems are robotic systems.

Below are the key skills required to succeed in the study of robotics and mechatronics.

Music Degrees offered at Box Hill Institute

Box Hill Institute offers a range of music courses, and four bachelor degrees that include:

Bachelor of Applied Music (Audio Production) – students attain a diverse range of both Audio Production and Music related skills.  Core study areas include Advanced Audio Recording, Mixing and Producing, Music Theory, Advanced Music Production (DAW), Aural Training, Music Business and History.

Bachelor of Applied Business in Music Industry – this course prepares students for music careers as band managers, publicists, tour and event managers, music marketers, and promoters in record or publishing company roles.

Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition) – this course is for students wishing to gain employment in music composition.  It is designed to expose students to, and teach them, a diverse range of composition related skills required for the music industry, film and media industries and the computer game music areas.

Bachelor of Applied Music (Performance) – students will explore both the theoretical and practical side of music via individual instrumental lessons, music production and music business training.  They get to choose from audio production, composition, teaching, and performance electives.

https://www.boxhill.edu.au/

UNSW Co-op Program 2022

Set up by industry and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the co-op program provides career development scholarships for high achieving undergraduate students, offering industry training, leadership, and professional development, networking opportunities, mentoring and financial support.  The scholarships are offered in the fields of Business, Science and Engineering.

The UNSW Co-op Program is open to Year 12 students entering university for the first time or those commencing university for the first time after a gap year.  Candidates for scholarships are not only selected on their academic ability but also their communication skills, motivation, leadership potential, and passion for their chosen field of study.  Any student expecting an ATAR above 95.00 should consider applying.

What do students gain?
•  Up to 18 months of relevant industry experience with multiple companies during their degree
•  Financial support of $19,600 tax free per annum over four years
•  Leadership and professional development training
•  Mentoring and support offered throughout their degree
•  Career planning
•  Opportunities to network with leading employers and make valuable contacts within your industry

Joining the co-op community at UNSW enables you to form life-changing connections and opens up a world of opportunities.  As a scholar not only do you gain academic and professional insight from alumni, older scholars, and the broader co-op community, you also start forming your professional and social network from day one.
Applications have opened and close on 30 September 2021.  Students can visit UNSW Co-op Program, call (02) 9385 5116 or e-mail cooprog@unsw.edu.au for more information.

You can watch videos showcasing Co-op Scholarship alumni here, https://bit.ly/3fbrjnA

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

What Maths skills does a professional tradie need?
Think that if you are a budding tradesperson, dropping Maths is no big deal?  In actual fact, hands-on construction gigs use numbers a lot more than you would think.  Here we look at how algebra, trig and basic area skills are just as important to a successful tradie’s toolkit as a fancy drill, https://bit.ly/2LHdSh4

Tradies 2.0: the tech tools taking over
With the modern day tradie’s toolbox packed with more tech than tools, they are now more reliant on STEM smarts than ever.  Here we unpack the new gear shaking things up, https://bit.ly/2Xfh3lw

Trade career websites
•  SkillsRoad, www.skillsroad.com.au
•  SkillsOne, www.skillsone.com.au
•  Rural Careers, www.ruralcareers.net.au
•  Plumbing, https://bit.ly/3cK82qT
•  Defence Force, www.defencejobs.gov.au
•  Bricklaying, https://bit.ly/2AHmthp
•  Rail, https://railcareers.net.au/
•  Marine and boating, https://bit.ly/2ZfXGLz
•  Australian Apprenticeships Pathways, www.aapathways.com.au

Exciting STEM resources

What is your STEM + X?
STEM + X is how you create your dream career.  Take a STEM discipline and mix in your X (your passion or hobby) and you have got a one-of-a-kind career!  Take our quiz and we will make finding your STEM + X super easy!  https://bit.ly/3yjaQ9z

Fifteen jobs that do not exist… yet
What will a job search look like in 2050?  No one knows – but one popular estimate suggests sixty-five per cent of primary school-aged kids will end up in yet-to-be-created careers.  We are guessing packed with next-gen STEM gigs in cutting-edge fields like Augmented Reality (AR), data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based service roles.  Careers With STEM looked into their digital crystal balls and came up with fifteen jobs they think you might find advertised in thirty plus years.  And yep, all of them require STEM skills!  https://bit.ly/3feuXfP

Seven paths to computer science careers
From horse paddocks to high-rise apartments, there are many ways to plug into coding.  Meet the seven people taking wildly different paths to a career in computer science, ending up in unexpected places, https://bit.ly/35tVFws

Five signs you should be a Maths teacher
See if Maths + education is the right STEM path for you!  https://bit.ly/3yjaQ9z

Chat to a science student
Year 12 students interested in studying a science degree at Monash University are able to book a one on one chat with a Monash science student, https://bit.ly/3fpvqwp

Animation and Interactive Media

RMIT top in Australian and Global Animation rankings.  The 2021 Animation Career Review rankings have been published and the RMIT Bachelor of Design (Animation & Interactive Media) has been ranked again number one in Australia and number eight worldwide.  Students in Animation courses are “immersed in specialised design laboratories and studios from day one,” and all courses are taught by practicing artists, designers and industry practitioners.  To read the 2021 Animation Career Review articles, click on the links: Worldwide rankings, https://bit.ly/3ykevnL  Australian rankings, https://bit.ly/3u1zQ1H

University – early entry programs (Year 12)

The following early admission programs are open now or will be opening soon.

VICTORIA

La Trobe University.  La Trobe Aspire Early Admissions Program.  Applications close 17 September,  www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire

Victoria University.  VU Guaranteed.  For selected schools.  Applications close in September or October,  https://bit.ly/2Kw3ND6

CANBERRA

Australian National University.  Direct early entry program.  Applications close Monday 24 May  www.anu.edu.au

NEW SOUTH WALES

Charles Sturt University.  Charles Sturt Advantage Program.  Applications close 31 May (Round 1)  https://bit.ly/2UmOlgT

University of New England.  Direct Early Entry Program.  Applications close Friday 17 September  www.une.edu.au

MULTIPLE STATES

Australian Catholic University.  ACU Guarantee.  Applications open Tuesday 1 June  https://bit.ly/38PiLiA

TASMANIA

University of Tasmania.  Schools Recommendation Program.  Applications close 18 June (Round 1)  https://bit.ly/2R8K1UZ

UNSW Law

If you are in Year 12 and considering studying a law program at UNSW you will need to sit the Law Admissions Test (LAT).  You will first need to register for the LAT by Friday 13 August via the ACER website then sit the test.  For information on the process and law courses at UNSW go to,  http://bit.ly/2qmr2V9

Flinders University, Adelaide

The university allows students to undertake the UniTest for selected courses, which enables them to be considered for both the ATAR and UniTest results through the selection process.  For information about the test and how to register go to,  https://bit.ly/2PLuzJj

Planning on studying teaching in the future?

If you are planning on applying for an undergraduate education degree in the future, you will need to be aware of the selection criteria for each state.

•  Victorian courses

Achieve a minimum ATAR of 70.
Some universities will require a higher ATAR.  You may be able to access entry into courses with a lower ATAR if you are eligible for ATAR adjustment points.
Complete the CASPer test
This is an online video-based situational judgment test.  The test is designed to measure ethics, empathy and communication (selected universities will require this), https://takecasper.com/
Achieve prerequisites
Meet the requirements for prerequisite subjects.
Achieve minimum study scores
This will vary between universities.

•  NSW courses

Teaching Questionnaire
You may need to complete a Teaching Questionnaire via the Universities Admissions Centre.

Motivation to Teach
You may need to complete a Motivation to Teach statement direct to the university.

Achieve prerequisites
Meet the requirements for prerequisite subjects.

Achieve minimum study scores/bands
This will vary between universities.

Please contact the universities you will be applying to for specific information.

Monash University – Inside Monash

Monash University is running a series of information evenings for prospective students focused on courses and study areas in May and June.  For information and to register visit,  www.monash.edu/inside-monash

MAY
26  Advanced science degrees
27  Psychology, radiography, radiation science

JUNE
2  Nursing and Midwifery
3  Introduction to law
13  Politics, Philosophy and Economics
15  Music
16  Become a teacher
You can watch recorded seminars from past events via, www.monash.edu/inside-monash

Victoria Police

For career information session dates visit,  www.police.vic.gov.au/police-information-sessions

Deakin University – Discover Deakin

Deakin University is hosting the following online seminars for prospective students in May and June.  The seminars will showcase courses at the university, https://bit.ly/2Phjwfa

MAY
24  Health Sciences
25  Nutrition and Dietetics
26  Psychology
27  Nursing and Midwifery
31  Exercise and Sport Science

JUNE
1  Creative Arts and Design
2  Marketing Psychology and Human Resource Management Psychology
3  Teaching
7  Property and Real Estate
8  Commerce and Business
9  Law
10  Sport Management and Development
16  Architecture and Construction Management
22  Information Technology

Victoria University – Undergraduate Webinar Series

Victoria University is running a series of information evenings for prospective students focused on courses and study areas in June.

JUNE
1  Early Childhood Education
2  Law, Criminology, Legal Studies
3  Creative Arts, Screen Media, Animation
8  Building Design, Building Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering
9  Science: Biomedical and Health Sciences
10  Primary and Secondary Education
15  Community Development, Social Work, Youth Work, Criminal Justice
16  Information Technology, Cyber Security
17  Sport, Exercise Science, Outdoor Leadership
22  Business
23  Tourism, Hospitality, Event Management
24  Nutrition
For information and to register visit, https://study.vu.edu.au/ug-webinar-series

RMIT University – Discover What’s Next

RMIT University is running the following online information sessions for prospective students in May and June.  These are events not to be missed as you will receive up-to-date information for the 2022 intake and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about courses.

MAY
25  Communication
27  Media

JUNE
1  Biomedical Sciences
3  Engineering
8  Flight Training and Aviation
10  Trades
15  Science
17  Health Science
22  Information Technology
24  Education
For information and to register for sessions go to, www.rmit.edu.au/events

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne has hosted online webinars for prospective students about courses.  There is one webinar left – Bachelor of Music on 2 June.

If you missed the following previous seminars, you can watch them on demand.  The following course areas are covered:
Law
Science
IT
Agriculture
Arts
Commerce
Education
Fine Arts
Veterinary Medicine
Biomedicine
Design
Engineering
For information visit, https://bit.ly/3egroGe