In this issue

Labour market information is a set of data and insights that helps describe how jobs are changing, now and into the future. Understanding labour market information is important in a variety of contexts, particularly for work and education. There are many different types and sources of labour market information. These include surveys of the working-age population, data collected for administration purposes (for example, business payrolls) and advertised job vacancies. This information is constantly updated. The hours we work in our jobs, the jobs we do, how and where we work, as well as our pay and work interests, all combine to provide a rich picture of the job market. It is like a big puzzle where the key trends and insights only become apparent when all the pieces are put together, connecting information and ideas about the job market. This information is important for employers and for people looking for work, but labour market information is also useful for:

• governments
• organisations that help people find work
• training providers and educational institutions
• regional development associations
• migrants and migration agents
• people delivering local employment or community projects

Finally, labour market conditions can change quickly and it can be difficult to predict what the jobs market will look like in the future. Instead of focusing on precise changes, consider these big picture trends:

• there is an ongoing shift toward service industries, such as the care sector
• the need for education and training beyond school is growing – more than nine out of ten new jobs over the five years to November 2025 will demand post-school qualifications.
• there is strong growth in employment across STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) occupations.

Work Experience reminder: If you would like to undertake work experience during the upcoming holidays, please make contact with an employer and collect a green form from the Careers office. The completed form must be returned by Friday 2 June.

“You learn more from failure than from success. Do not let it stop you. Failure builds character.” – Unknown

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

Study Tips

Are you tired of falling into the clutches of procrastination, constantly battling against looming deadlines? You are not alone! Procrastination can be a common struggle among secondary school students, but fear not, below are some effective strategies for overcoming procrastination once and for all.

Why do we procrastinate?
There are many reasons, procrastination often stems from various factors, such as:

• Feeling overwhelmed: being daunted by the magnitude of a task can lead to avoidance and delayed action.
• Lack of motivation: when a task seems uninteresting or lacks clear rewards, it is easy to put it off for something more enjoyable.
• Perfectionism: striving for perfection can lead to fear of failure, causing us to delay starting a task to avoid potential mistakes or criticism.
• Distractions: the allure of social media, video games, or other distractions can tempt us away from our responsibilities.

Thankfully, there are plenty of tried-and-true methods out there to stop procrastination and boost your studies. Here are some you might like to try:

Break it down
Divide daunting tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Tackling one small step at a time makes the overall task more approachable and less overwhelming.

Set SMART Goals
Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound goals for each task. Clear goals provide a sense of direction and motivation.

Create a study schedule
Design a realistic study schedule that incorporates designated time slots for each subject or task. Stick to the schedule to develop consistency and combat procrastination.

Find your productivity zone
Identify the time of day when you feel most focused and energised. Use these peak hours for challenging or important tasks to optimise productivity.

Practice the Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a short break. Repeat this cycle several times, allowing yourself longer breaks after completing multiple cycles. This technique helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.

Eliminate distractions
Minimise potential distractions by turning off notifications on your phone, using website blockers, or studying in a quiet space away from temptations.

Use positive reinforcement
Reward yourself after completing tasks or reaching milestones. Treat yourself to something enjoyable, like a favourite snack or a short break, as a motivation boost.

Cultivate accountability
Share your goals and progress with a friend, family member or study group. Being accountable to someone else adds a sense of responsibility and can help keep you on track.

Practice self-compassion
Remember that perfection isn’t attainable. Embrace the learning process and be kind to yourself. Accept that mistakes happen, and use them as opportunities for growth.

Overcoming procrastination requires self-awareness, discipline and a toolbox of effective strategies. By understanding the reasons behind procrastination and implementing the suggested techniques, you can reclaim control over your time and boost your productivity. Remember, everyone is different, so try different techniques until you find something that works for you.

Open Days and Information Sessions

For a current list of open days visit the Careers page on MyStPauls.

ADF Navy Careers Information Session

Explore the idea of a Navy career that offers mateship, time at sea and exciting new opportunities.  The Navy has a diverse range of roles across many employment categories there is sure to be a role for you!

Speak with current serving military personnel about career opportunities and discover your potential.

Tuesday 30 May, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Melbourne Defence Force Recruiting, 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne

For further information and to register, click here: Navy Careers

Focus on Biomedicine
Are you interested in discovering the next generation of treatments to help improve the health of your community? Does the science behind what creates, sustains and threatens people’s lives intrigue you?

The Bachelor of Biomedicine is ideal preparation for a career in medicine and professional health. You will learn from award-winning teachers, researchers and clinicians while studying at one of the world’s top five biomedical precincts.  Join a leading biomedicine academic to learn more about the range of core subjects and majors that will provide you with the foundations for a variety of exciting career paths. Hear from current students as they share their study experiences and plans for entering the workplace and for further study.

Tuesday 30 May, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
For further information and to book your seat, register here: Focus on biomedicine

Focus on Commerce
Whether you are interested in finance or actuarial studies, management or public policy, by studying at The University of Melbourne you will gain the knowledge, experience and strong industry connections that will set you up for a successful career in the business and economic sectors.

Join a leading commerce academic and a panel of current students to discover how the Bachelor of Commerce will not only equip you with the problem-solving and leadership skills needed to make an immediate impact in your workplace but how it will pave the way to a long-term global career.

You will develop a strong foundation in core commerce disciplines while discovering where your passions lie and what industries and sectors you’re interested in. Our large network of leading firms and organisations through consulting subjects, student clubs, case competitions and exclusive programs means you will have a competitive edge in the workforce.

Wednesday 31 May, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
For further information and to book your seat, register here: Focus on Commerce

RMIT Tech and Trades Expo
RMIT is hosting a free Tech and Trades experience day for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 and their parents/guardians on Thursday 29 June at the Melbourne campus. Students can experience hands-on workshops from various fields in Future Technologies and Trades to gain practical knowledge, tour facilities and interact with teachers, current students and industry.

Thursday 29 June, 9:00 am – 2:45 pm
Register for the event via Tech and Trades Expo

Monash University will be hosting several Discover Monash events or activities over the coming weeks and months.  Participating in one or more of these events will assist students in making informed choices about their study options after Year 12.

Discover Engineering, Clayton campus
Discover all you need to know about studying engineering at Australia’s number one engineering faculty.  You will hear from academics, current students and alumni and have the opportunity to ask lots of questions. Their engineering degrees offer not only a fantastic study experience but also amazing opportunities to engage with industry and get hands-on with our many teams and clubs.

Wednesday 31 May, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Read more and register here: Discover Engineering

Discover Education, Peninsula (Frankston) campus
Teachers play a critical role in helping children prepare for their future, equipping them with the skills they need to become successful members of society and the leaders of tomorrow. Learn all you need to know about our Bachelor of Education (Honours), education double degrees and pathways to the number one faculty of education in the country.

Tuesday 30 May, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Read more and register here: Discover Education

The following events will take place from June to August and students are encouraged to register early. Unless specified online**, these will be face-to-face events.
Registrations are open at Discover Monash

Discover ACU Events
Discover ACU is designed to give you an exciting first taste of specific disciplines, with an opportunity to speak with current ACU students to find out what life is like in your study area.

Explore your local campus and its facilities, talk to current students, and experience life as an ACU student.  Choose a workshop from a range of study areas, which may include nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, education, physiotherapy, psychology, sports and exercise science and lots more.
The events listed below are for the Melbourne Campus in the June/July school holidays.

Find out more and register at Discover ACU

Early Entry

Early entry programs enable universities to make course offers to Year 12 students based on factors other than just the ATAR.  You can apply for as many early entry programs as you like and most course offers can be deferred. I encourage Year 12 students to meet with me to map out the best early entry programs to apply for based on course interests.  The following universities have early entry programs open:

VICTORIA
Swinburne University
RMIT University
La Trobe University
Federation University
CQUniversity
SAE Creative Media Institute

NSW
University of New England
Charles Sturt University
Southern Cross University
CQUniversity
SAE Creative Media Institute

CANBERRA
Australian National University

There are further details and a comprehensive list of programs outlined in the Guide to Early Entry for Study in 2024 click here: Early Entry Guide

Federation University Early Offer Program

Secure your place at Federation University in 2024.  Finishing high school can be stressful, so why not give yourself peace of mind with Federation University’s Early Offer Program?  Not only is an early offer exciting to receive but knowing that you have already secured a place in a degree means you can head into exams fully focused.  Early Offer applicants get benefits including being first in line for a university offer (as long as you have achieved all the pre-requisites for the course).

Most bachelor degrees are available for early offers, to view courses accepting Early Offer applications click here.

Requirements: Year 12 pass, meet VCE prerequisites and essential entry requirements and ATAR required.  Students must also make a VTAC application.
Find out more and apply at Early Offer Program

Applications close 1 December 2023.
VU Guaranteed: Victoria University’s Early Entry Program

Guarantee your place at Victoria University (VU) or VU Polytechnic, prior to completing Year 12.  You can apply for VU Guaranteed (VUG) if you are a Victorian Year 11 or Year 12 student studying VCE, school assessed (unscored VCE), VCE Major and IB.

Requirements: Year 12 pass^^

Successful VUG applicants can enjoy:

• a guaranteed place at VU or VU Polytechnic
• free access to EdUnlimited practice exams, topic quizzes and study notes
• 5 bonus aggregate ATAR points for most courses that consider an ATAR as part of the admission criteria*
• tailored advice and a personalised course plan once results are released

*Excluding the Bachelor of Education (P-12)

Note^^: Students will still need to satisfy the admission requirements/prerequisites for the courses they prefer in VTAC.  Students who do not meet the admission requirements will be guaranteed a place in an alternative course designed to help them achieve their goals.  Therefore, the course offer that students receive will be based on their course applications/preferences and on study scores plus other admission requirements etc.
Students without an English study score, or a score below 20 for example, will not be offered a higher education course (university), and would instead receive a course plan with TAFE course options.
Students must also make a VTAC application.  Applications have now opened online at Victoria University’s Early Entry Program.

Applications close 6 October 2023.

University News

New Cyber Security Double Degrees at Swinburne

Swinburne University is now offering the following double degrees that can give students an extra edge in their career in Cyber Security:

• Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security
• Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security
• Bachelor of Business Analytics and Analysis/Bachelor of Cyber Security

Students only keen on studying a single degree can browse Bachelor of Cyber Security

Environment and Sustainability at Swinburne

Preserving the earth begins with an understanding of the current landscape.

The environment and sustainability courses offered at Swinburne are an exploration of what it means to champion and sustain the earth for future generations.  Courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills through an emphasis on conservation, land management, horticulture, renewable energy and more.  An environment and sustainability course could lead to a future in floristry, horticulture, retail, writing and beyond.

Swinburne offers courses in:

• Conservation and Land Management
• Environmental Science
• Climate and Social Justice
• Horticulture and Landscape

Visit Environment and Sustainability to find out more.

Business Explorer Program 2023

Join the Monash Business School business explorer taster session and choose from a range of activities to learn more about the many different courses and careers available across all areas of business, economics and commerce.  This free event is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who are considering studying business at university and is a great way to explore the diverse world of commerce through a choice of taster sessions in accounting, economics, banking and finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurship and analytics, statistics and actuarial studies.  Lunch will also be provided.

Date: Tuesday 27 June, 10:00 am – 3:15 pm
Venue: Monash University, Caulfield Campus

Registration is essential and places are limited.  Register at Business Explorer.

Bachelor of Space Science at RMIT

Do you want to be part of Space 2.0? Have you thought about human spaceflight, space tourism and even missions to Mars?

The Bachelor of Space Science at RMIT University allows students to prepare for an exciting career in the growing space industry.  In addition to space science and physics, students will study complementary courses in satellite remote sensing, mathematics, IT and data analytics, signal and systems engineering as well as spaceflight systems design.  During their studies, students will have the opportunity to undertake a 12-week industry placement so they can immerse themselves in the world of space.  These placements are run through Boeing, Geoplex and Nova Systems.

Find out more: Bachelor of Space Science at RMIT University

Careers in Travel

Certificate III in Travel at William Angliss Institute
This new course is ideal for those wishing for a career in retail or corporate travel, travel-related events, airline operations, wholesale travel or wishing to become a broker or travel booker.  The course will give students the hands-on skills needed to work in the ever-changing travel and tourism industry.  Up to three reservation systems will be taught along with fares and ticketing, product costing and selling and the course also includes up to date legal and consumer laws and agency obligations.  This is a 6-month intensive course and cannot be done part-time.

Find out more: Certificate III in Travel

Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) at Holmes Institute, Melbourne
If you dream of becoming a pilot, this course is for you!

The unique degree blends theory and practice, meaning you graduate ‘General Aviation’ ready in just three years!

• No ATAR required
• Get qualified for a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence
• Learn in a dedicated state-of-the-art flight simulator lab on campus

For further information click here: Bachelor of Aviation (Flight)

Careers in Allied Health

There are many types of allied health professionals, including dietitians, physiotherapists, podiatrists, speech pathologists and psychologists.  Doctors, nurses and dentists (and other oral health professionals) are not allied health professionals.  Some allied health specialisations are detailed below.

Audiology
Audiology is a healthcare profession involved in assessing, managing and rehabilitating hearing loss and balance disorders.  So, audiologists are responsible for the non-medical management and rehabilitation of hearing loss and associated disorders of communication.  Audiology is a rapidly growing profession and qualified audiologists are in high demand both locally and internationally.  To become an audiologist students usually have to study biomedicine, biological science, health science or a related field at university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in audiology.

In Victoria, two universities offer a Master of Clinical Audiology:

• La Trobe University – Master of Clinical Audiology
• University of Melbourne – Master of Clinical Audiology

Orthoptics
Orthoptists are eye care professionals.  They specialise in detecting, diagnosing and treating vision and eye disorders.  To become an orthoptist, a student usually has to study orthoptic or ophthalmic science at university.

In Victoria, La Trobe University offers the Bachelor of Orthoptics (Honours)

Podiatry
Podiatrists look after the health of people’s feet by diagnosing, treating and preventing foot abnormalities and educating the public about good foot health.  Undergraduate courses in podiatry are offered by two universities in Victoria:

• Charles Sturt University – Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine
• La Trobe University – Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)

Careers in IT

Are you interested in IT, but not sure which course to choose? The Monash University ‘Find My FIT’ quiz is a fun way to discover which IT course is your best fit, from data science to games development, check it out here: My FIT quiz

The Careers Foundation website features an interactive ICT career wheel where occupations are broken down into the following sections:

• Digital design
• Marketing
• Security
• Software
• Content
• Industry
• Hardware

View a description of each job and the starting salaries offered.

Careers in Motorsports

Looking for a career that is fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled? Consider a career in motorsports! From vehicle mechanics to driving, there are a variety of exciting opportunities in this industry. Get ready to live life in the fast lane and pursue your passion for speed and competition.
The following two institutes offer motorsports courses in Victoria:

Kangan Institute at Docklands
Automotive Centre of Excellence

Certificate III in Motor Sport Technology

Wodonga Institute of TAFE
Motorsports Training Australia

TAFE Certificate III in Motor Sport Technology

Courses in Natural Health

Do you have a passion for wellness? A career in natural health might be just what you are looking for! With opportunities in fields like acupuncture and nutrition, you can help people heal and live their best lives. Natural health careers offer a fulfilling and exciting way to make a real difference in the world. The following two colleges are located in the Melbourne area:

Endeavour College of Natural Health
Courses: Acupuncture Therapies, Massage, Naturopathy, Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, Chinese Medicine and Complementary Medicine, www.endeavour.edu.au

Southern School of Natural Therapies
Courses: Health Science, Clinical Nutrition, Chinese Medicine, Western Herbal Medicine and Naturopathy. The School is part of Torrens University and Think Education, www.ssnt.edu.au

High Achiever Scholarship Programs

University of Technology Sydney
The University of Technology Sydney co-op scholarship program is now open for the Women in IT and Engineering, Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Information Technology courses for the 2024 intake. For information on the programs and to apply, go to www.uts.edu.au/study/scholarships

University of NSW (UNSW)
The UNSW Co-op Scholarship program is now open for high-achieving students who plan to study in 2024 at the University of NSW. The scholarships are worth almost $20,000 per year, visit www.coop.unsw.edu.au

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships are the ultimate win-win. Not only will you get paid while learning and avoid the burden of student debt, but you will gain practical skills, on-the-job experience and a portable qualification that can lead to a successful career.

Forget about the traditional classroom setting, apprenticeships and traineeships offer an exciting hands-on learning experience. Plus, they open doors to a range of industries and job opportunities, from trades and construction to healthcare and hospitality.

So, if you are looking for a rewarding and dynamic career path, do not hesitate to choose apprenticeships or traineeships as your ticket to success.

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways
If you are keen to learn about apprenticeships and traineeships, Australian Apprenticeship Pathways is an excellent website to explore. You can undertake apprenticeship aptitude tests, find local apprenticeship and group training centres and learn about different trade occupations: www.aapathways.com.au/

Spotlight on Nursing

Nursing and/or Midwifery Degrees in Victoria in 2023

*Not Foundation Maths
For a comprehensive list of all nursing courses – visit VTAC.

Nursing – Division 2 (Enrolled) Courses in Victoria in 2023

Division 2 or Enrolled nurses are trained with the full spectrum of nursing qualifications and these skills include communicating with patients, working in a team, medication and clinical nursing duties.  To become an Enrolled nurse, one must complete a Diploma of Nursing.  The VCE entry requirement for the diploma is a Year 12 pass.  On completion of the course, students will be eligible to apply for registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or go on to further study to become a Registered Nurse.  Note: The Diploma of Nursing is currently a Free TAFE course in Victoria.

Resources

Tertiary Admissions Centres 

State-based Tertiary Admission Centres process course applications on behalf of universities, some TAFE institutes and some private providers. You can research courses, prerequisites, selection criteria and ATAR profiles.

Courses for the 2024 intake will be updated mid-year but you can use the current information as a guide. Websites are listed below:

Australia Wide Search
Course Seeker is a fantastic website that enables students to explore courses for each state on the one website.  You can research courses, prerequisites, selection criteria and ATAR profiles for the 2023 intake. Information for the 2024 intake will be updated soon visit:

www.courseseeker.edu.au/

TAFE

MySkills is the national directory of vocational education (VET) organisations and courses. You can search for courses or occupations and use a location search.  You can also browse courses and occupations by industries such as health and community services, manufacturing and engineering and arts and culture.

www.myskills.gov.au