In this issue

As we approach the final weeks of term, a reminder that Work Experience green nomination forms need to be with the Careers Office by Wednesday next week 3 September.  This is to allow time for all paperwork to be completed between students, employers and the school, and to allow students time to complete the required OH&S and Child Safe modules which are compulsory before going on any placement.

This week’s newsletter contains some more focus areas for careers and where further information can be found, as well as an exciting new degree for 2020 at Federation University in Allied Health – Occupational Therapy.  As we all know, careers in the allied health area is one of the five major areas identified by experts as being in very high demand in the future.  As many parents and guardians would have experienced already, trying to find and get appointments with these professionals can be very frustrating and that demand is only going to grow!

So if students do not know what they want to do in the future, whether next year or beyond, doing some research into the allied health area may prove to be positive!  And remember, it is not just doctors and nurses we will need as a community!

Year 12s will also find additional information about applying for courses at TAFE and university through VTAC and UAC.  There is information about some new local apprenticeship opportunities for 2020, as well as an upcoming information session for parents and students who are thinking of applying for apprenticeships or traineeships in the future. This is relevant for Years 9 to 12 students and families.

As always, a reminder that the Careers Office is open for any student or parent/guardian enquiries via email, phone and in person.

Mrs Deb Cumming
Head of Careers

New Occupational Therapy degree available in Gippsland

Federation University has announced a new Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree, which will be available at their Gippsland Campus in Churchill.  The program is available for current Year 12 students wishing to start in 2020 and non-Year 12/mature age applicants.  This is an exciting opportunity for students to gain qualifications in Allied Health, with Occupational Therapy providing a wide range of career opportunities, caring for a variety of patients across their lifespan.

Occupational therapists are employed in public and private hospitals, medical rehabilitation centres, community health centres, home care services, aged care facilities, mental health clinics, vocational rehabilitation centres, schools and educational facilities, independent living/respite centres and private practice.

For more information, search ‘Occupational Therapy’ at study.federation.edu.au or via the VTAC course search, or call 1800 333 864 (1800 FED UNI).

Defence Force – Upcoming Career Event

30 September:  Melbourne, ADFA Information Session.  For information and to register your place go to, https://bit.ly/2MpyMUj

Important tips about your first or current job

We know that the world of work is rapidly changing and that young people can expect to have on average seventeen employers across five industries in the future.  We also know that every single occupation will change and many will completely disappear in the near future.  So, it is important that you gain work skills that can be easily transferred between jobs.

The team at Careers with STEM asked the following questions:
• How will the experience of your first job prepare you for your next job?
• How do you make the most of your first or current job to prepare you for the future?

To read their answers and suggested industries to work in (for example: pharmacy assistant) go to, http://bit.ly/2x8imoh

Follow The University of Melbourne student stories

The Faculty of Veterinary and Agriculture Sciences launched ‘Discover‘ featuring stories from current students.  Read about the experiences of students in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Food Science and the Diploma of General Studies.
Discover is a unique collection of student stories, written by students themselves, http://bit.ly/2vkGG4i

Considering studying teaching in the future?

Australian Catholic University has put together some great information for prospective students who are interested in a career in education.
Everything you need to know about teaching placements:  Teaching placements are a big part of the life of an undergraduate education students.  Here is what they are all about, https://bit.ly/2zbBDHS
Perspectives on teaching:  The role of education keeps changing and the expectations on our teachers are high.  So, what does it take to be a teacher today?  And why would you want to be one?  What are the highlights and the challenges? https://bit.ly/2NkGEWQ

Interested in Marine Science?

The following are examples of universities that offer Marine Science and Marine Biology courses:
University of Tasmania, https://bit.ly/2Lgd2r0
Deakin University, Warrnambool and Geelong Waurn Ponds, http://bit.ly/2bAvUQU
The University of Melbourne, http://bit.ly/2bHlBch
Australian National University, Canberra, http://bit.ly/1e0fHSY
James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, https://bit.ly/2wOF0Fl

Early entry programs – closing today, tomorrow and next week

University of Wollongong, Early Admission Program.  Applications close 30 August 2019, https://bit.ly/2NphUyk
La Trobe University, Aspire Early Admissions Program.  Applications close 31 August 2019, https://bit.ly/2KdjGN1
Charles Sturt University, Charles Sturt Advantage.  Applications close 31 August 2019, https://bit.ly/2Je0sZw

Websites: Vocational and Trades

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways:  You will be able to undertake apprenticeship aptitude tests, find local apprenticeship and group training centres and learn about different trade occupations, www.aapathways.com.au/

Defence Jobs:  Explore technical trades in the Navy, Air Force and Army, www.defencejobs.gov.au/

Do you need a White Card?  If you would like to undertake work experience or work in the construction industry, you will need to complete occupational health and safety induction training.  To prepare for this, you can undertake the ‘White Card Game’.  Through an online first-person perspective, the goal of the game is to identify, control and report workplace hazards on a construction site without getting injured or causing the death of workmates.  Go to, www.whitecardgame.com.au/

The Good Careers Guide:  Search over four hundred different occupations narrowed down by the field or type of work you would like to do in the future (for example, helping/advising), http://bit.ly/2a7Qr0Z

Plumbing Careers:  Learn about careers in plumbing and specialisations such as water, sanitary, gasfitting, roofing, drainage and mechanical services, http://bit.ly/2asQfck

My Skills:  Search for and explore vocational courses across Australia, learn about in demand jobs and watch videos of young people who have completed vocational training, http://bit.ly/1D8uek7

SkillsOne:  Watch videos about different trades, www.skillsone.com.au/

Rail Careers:  Careers in the rail industry, http://railcareers.net.au/

Become a Bricklayer:  http://bit.ly/1XUkPcJ

Rural Careers Australia:  Careers in agriculture, horticulture, animal care and land management, www.ruralcareers.net.au/

Care Careers:  Learn about careers in community services such as disability and aged care, http://bit.ly/2g6QYT2

Interested in studying human behaviour?

Would you like to become a psychologist?  You will need to start your education by studying a Bachelor degree with an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) approved major in psychology.  Not all psychology majors are approved by APAC, so you will need to contact the institution you would like to study at to double check.  For more information go to, http://bit.ly/2xqsTeQ

Careers in Psychology:  Deakin University has developed an excellent website showcasing different careers in Psychology.  Go to, http://bit.ly/2wLNAof

CSU is searching for their 2020 engineering students

Charles Sturt University (CSU) offers an engineering program that is unique in Australia.  Students undertake a Bachelor of Design Technology/Master of Engineering over five and a half years.
They complete the first eighteen months at the Bathurst Campus (NSW), then complete the rest of their studies as a paid student engineer over four year-long placements.  They will accept only thirty students and are looking for entrepreneurial young people who want to change the world, https://bit.ly/2PbylPs

Finding the right path for you!

Did you know?
Between twenty and thirty per cent of first year students drop out of or change their university course.
About fifty per cent of trainees drop out of their apprenticeship/traineeship.

Do not become a statistic, make sure you do not just fall into a course or job.  You still have plenty of time to make the right decisions and put in the groundwork.

You will be making the wrong career choice if you base your decision-making solely on any of the following:

♦  It looks cool on TV: (for example, Boston Legal, Suits, CSI, Criminal Minds).  This is NOT reality.  People do not walk around crime scenes wearing the latest fashions or work in labs with their hair out.  Nor do they receive crime scene test results overnight.  If you want to watch a good program, watch an Australian reality series like:
• Border Security Australia, Seven Network
• The Recruit, Victoria Police
• Testing Teachers, SBS
Or read autobiographies of people working in the industry you are interested in.

♦  Someone else has a vision for your future:  This is a tricky one.  You want to study history, but others might expect you to study law, medicine or dentistry (as you could achieve the appropriate ATAR and it would be a ‘waste’ not to).
Following the guidance of others will make them happy but remember that you will probably work until you are seventy years old and will be an independent adult, so it is also important that you are happy and fulfilled in your life.

♦  The job pays a lot of money:  We know occupations like Dentistry, Law and Mathematics pay well.  But would you want to sit through four years of Law if your heart was not in it and you did not enjoy things like researching, debating, reading and analysing? And would you want to commit years of study to becoming a dentist or surgeon through taking subject after subject in sciences when your real passion is humanities?

If you want to follow the path that will lead you to a satisfying career, there are a few things to think about.

♦  You don’t know what you don’t know:  There is a world of opportunity out there with an enormous range of career options.  There are jobs that will suit you that have not even been invented yet!

How would you know that you would like to study biomedical engineering if you have only studied physics and mathematical methods at school?  How would you know that you would love anthropology if you have only studied sociology at school?

♦  Network:  Do work experience.  Worried about missing school?  Go for one or two days, you do not have to go for a whole week.  You will not be able to build up a realistic picture of what an occupation is like by just reading a brochure.

♦  Be flexible and ready for change:  You will probably change your career direction several times throughout your lifetime and you will work for different companies.   You may also change your course or apprenticeship, drop out of study, work for a while, go back to study, drop out again, travel, pick up some TAFE study, work in different jobs.  You do not know what lies ahead in your future but be prepared to be flexible and resourceful.

♦  Participate in experience days, open days, career events organised by your school and others.  One small thing may spark a new interest or affirm current career interests.

♦  Use YouTube:  Sounds simple, but YouTube is a fantastic tool for researching courses and occupations.  Just search ‘Careers in ….. Australia’ and you will be able to listen to people working in the occupation you are interested in.

♦  Career Adviser:  Make a time to see your Career Adviser.  They will be able to provide expert guidance.

♦  Access your allies:  For many people of your generation, it is completely normal to not have post school career goals.  Most importantly, speak to the people who know you best.  They will be able to advise you well and support you throughout your journey.

Are you creative? Do you love working on computers? Do you enjoy media?

You may be suited to studying digital media.  IT, coding, design and multimedia skills are currently in demand and will continue to be desired workplace skills in the future.

The following are examples of digital media courses you can study at Victorian institutes:
• Bachelor of Design (Digital Media), RMIT, http://bit.ly/2bQKzrJ
• Bachelor of Design (majoring in Digital Media Design), Swinburne University, http://bit.ly/2bApAc1
• Bachelor of Digital Media, Macleay College, Melbourne, https://bit.ly/2Iiqzj1
• Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media), Deakin University, https://bit.ly/2FVfe7p
• Bachelor of Design (Digital Technologies), Deakin University, https://bit.ly/2vwisVs

Passionate about Information Technology?

The following three universities offer Bachelor of Information Technology Industry Scholarship programs:
• Swinburne University:  Recipients receive forty weeks of industry experience and a $40,000 industry funded scholarship, http://bit.ly/2bG8LuW
• Victoria University:  Students who receive entry into the Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional) have the opportunity to receive a twelve month paid industry internship, https://bit.ly/2zpUL4I

Key ICT Career websites:
• Digital Careers:  Careers in information and communication technologies, https://bit.ly/2PekU1m
• Careers With STEM:  Careers in computer science and gaming, https://bit.ly/2W2Yz5k
• Careers Foundation:  Explore the interactive ICT Career Wheel, http://bit.ly/2flU5a3

Upcoming Open Days

VICTORIA
Eastern College Australia, Wantirna, 10 September, https://bit.ly/2Xh6TPX

CANBERRA
Australian National University, Canberra, 31 August, https://bit.ly/2Mptatg
University of Canberra, 31 August, https://bit.ly/2z6dP7U
Australian Catholic University, Canberra, 31 August, https://bit.ly/2P3hvy0

NSW
University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 31 August, https://bit.ly/1Dwieuu
University of Sydney, 31 August, https://bit.ly/2Mptatg
University of Newcastle, Newcastle, 31 August, https://bit.ly/2DS1l3V
UNSW, Kensington, 7 September, https://bit.ly/2KneFor
Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, 7 September, https://bit.ly/2P3hvy0

University applications – key dates

The following courses have VTAC applications and in some cases supplementary forms or audition applications due by the following dates.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Due by Saturday 31 August, 5:00 pm
• Fine Arts (Animation), Fine Arts (Dance), Fine Arts (Film and Television), Fine Arts (Screenwriting).

Due by Monday 30 September, 5:00 pm
• Fine Arts (Acting), Fine Arts (Design and Production), Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Fine Arts (Theatre), Fine Arts (Visual Arts).
• Music (Music Performance, Composition, Musicology or Ethnomusicology), Music (Jazz and Improvisation), Music (Interactive Composition), Music (Chancellor’s Scholars).

MONASH UNIVERSITY

Due by Monday 30 September
• Medicine (School Leaver Entry), Medicine (CSP Extended Rural Cohort School Leaver Entry), Medicine (CSP Bonded School Leaver Entry).

University applications – VTAC

Year 12 students have you started your VTAC application yet?
If you are planning to study at a Victorian university or TAFE within the next two years, you may have to apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

You do not have to know what courses you would like to apply for at this stage, but you will need to start your application by 30 September to avoid a late fee.

The following are steps to follow to get started on your application.

Step 1:  Create a VTAC Account
Video on how to create your account, https://bit.ly/2XVBiHV
1.  Go to www.vtac.edu.au/
2.  Click ‘Sign Up’
3.  Work through the steps.  You will need your VCAA/NESA ID number and you can make up your own four digit pin.

Step 2:  Apply for at least one course
Video on how to order preferences, https://bit.ly/2M25EkL
1.  Go to www.vtac.edu.au/
2.  Click on Login and enter your VTAC ID and Pin (this has been emailed to you)
3.  Select the course application link
4.  Work through the steps.  You can apply for up to eight courses.  You can change for your preferences for most courses later.

Step 3:  Pay processing fee
1.  Login to your VTAC Account
2.  Select the payment link
3.  Click on the PayPal button and then pay via PayPal or Credit/Debit card
4.  Pay the one-off $39 processing fee by Monday 9 December.

Step 4:  Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)
Work out your eligibility for any of the four categories by exploring the VTAC SEAS site, https://bit.ly/1PG8zI4
1.  Login to your VTAC Account
2.  Click on the SEAS link and apply for any of the four categories that you are eligible for
3.  Organise supporting statements and any other required documentation and post them with the SEAS document cover letter to VTAC by 11 October or upload directly to the website.

Step 5:  Access and Equity Scholarships
Read about the scholarship application process and required evidence here, https://bit.ly/1Kxa6kh
1.  Login to your VTAC Account
2.  Click on the scholarships link and work through the steps
3.  Organise supporting statements and any other required documentation and post them with the scholarship document cover letter to VTAC by 11 October or upload directly to the website.

University applications – UAC

If you are planning to study at a NSW or Canberra university or TAFE within the next two years, you may have to apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

You do not have to know what courses you would like to apply for this stage, but you will need to start your application by 30 September to avoid a late fee.

The following are steps to follow to get started on your application.

Step 1:  Create a UAC account and apply for courses
1.  Go to www.uac.edu.au/
2.  Under ‘Apply or Login’, click on ‘Undergraduate Application’
3.  Click ‘Start your application’
4.  Fill out each section.  For Victorian students, the four digit pin is the first four digits of your birthdate and for NSW students, UAC has emailed your pin
5.  Apply for at least one course; you can enter up to five preferences.  You can change your preferences later.
6.  Download and print off the confirmation application package, this will list your UAC number.

Step 2:  Pay processing fee
1.  Once you complete your course application in Step 1, you will have the option of paying online
2.  If you would like to pay later, you can select BPay or Bill Pay and download an invoice with your confirmation application package
3.  You can pay the one-off $70 processing fee at the post office or via BPay.

Step 3:  Education Access Schemes (EAS)
1.     Work out if you are eligible for any categories by exploring the EAS site, www.uac.edu.au/eas/
2.     Download and print the 2020 EAS Booklet
3.     Within your UAC account, click on the EAS tab
4.     Apply for any categories you may be eligible for via the online portal and download the cover sheets
5.     Organise the evidence needed
6.     Upload or post evidence required with the cover sheets to UAC by Friday 29 November.

Step 4:  Apply for Equity Scholarships (ES)
1.     Read about the scholarship application process and required evidence here, www.uac.edu.au/equity/
2.     Go to www.uac.edu.au/
3.     Hover your mouse over the ‘Apply or Login’ button then click on ‘Equity Scholarships – application and offers’, then click ‘Start your Application’
4.     Work through each step and click submit
5.     Download and print the document package, which will list any evidence you are required to provide and post to UAC or upload to the website
6.     Complete this by Sunday 15 December.

Applying for other states?

Use the following websites to apply for courses in other states.

NSW/ACT, www.uac.edu.au
SA/NT, www.satac.edu.au
WA, www.tisc.edu.au
QLD, www.qtac.edu.au
Tasmania, www.utas.edu.au

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SEPTEMBER

•  Meet The University of Melbourne, Ballarat (11), Warragul (24), Mildura (25), https://bit.ly/2ZmoRAM

•  17, 18:  Advice Nights, Swinburne University, Wantirna Campus (17), Hawthorn Campus (18), Aviation (18), https://bit.ly/2Kt0nAl

•  18:  Extension Program Information Evening, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, https://bit.ly/2Zozgfq

•  22:  Dookie Day, The University of Melbourne, Dookie Campus.  For students interested in studying agriculture, https://bit.ly/2Ka80LX

•  24 to 26:  Fashion Camp, Kangan Institute, Richmond, https://bit.ly/2Oqv9iF

OCTOBER

•  20:  Werribee Open Day, The University of Melbourne, Werribee Campus.  For students interested in studying Veterinary Science, https://bit.ly/2KUusu0

SEPTEMBER

2 September  Melbourne Writers Festival
ICAS Digital Technologies Test
3 September  ICAS Digital Technologies Test
4 September  ICAS Digital Technologies Test
ICAS Science Test
5 September  ICAS Science Test
SEISA Winter Finals
Parent Student Teacher Interviews, 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
6 September  ICAS Science Test
Elite Sports Performers Program Seminar
9 September  ICAS Writing Test
10 September  ICAS Writing Test
11 September  ICAS Writing Test
‘The Addams Family’ production, Traralgon Campus Gymnasium, 7:00 pm sharp
12 September SEISA Spring Carnival
‘The Addams Family’ production, Traralgon Campus Gymnasium, 7:00 pm sharp
13 September  Pie and Footy Day
‘The Addams Family’ production, Traralgon Campus Gymnasium, 7:00 pm sharp
16 to 20 September  Year 9 Urban Camp
ICAS English Test
17 September  ICAS English Test
18 September  ICAS English Test
ICAS Mathematics Test
19 September  ICAS Mathematics Test
20 September  ICAS Mathematics Test
End of Term 3, 2:20 pm FINISH

SEPTEMBER

2 September  ELC Wombat Group Father’s Evening, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
3 September  Division Athletics Day
4 September  Vicspell Finals
5 September  Grandparents and Special Person’s Day
Junior School Musical ‘Seussical Kids’, Gymnasium, 11:00 am (special Grandparents and Special Person’s Day performance) and 7:00 pm performance
6 September  Years 1 and 3 Starlab Incursion
9 to 11 September  Years 3 and 4 Camp, Forest Edge
11 September  Prep to Year 2 Swimming Carnival
13 September  Pie and Footy Day
17 September  Purple Day
19 September  ICAS Maths Assessment
20 September  Last Day Term 3, 2:30 pm FINISH

SEPTEMBER

2 September  Parent Prayer Group, Prideaux Centre, 9:00 am
3 September  Years 5 and 6 Hoop Time
4 September  Division Athletics, Joe Carmody Track, Newborough
5 September  Year 6 Excursion – Mawarra
10 September  Musical Dress Rehearsals (all day)
12 September  2019 Junior School Musical, ‘Pinocchio’, Show 1 – 6:00 pm, Show 2 – 8:00 pm
17 September  Year 2 Incursion – Gippsland Water
20 September  Footy Colours Day and FOSTA Special Lunch
End of Term 3, 2:20pm FINISH