In this issue

Congratulations to our Year 12 class of 2018 – good luck for the future and new and exciting times ahead!

Mrs Deb Cumming
Head of Careers

FOCUS ON VET PATHWAYS

Vocational education and training (VET) includes traineeships, apprenticeships and TAFE study.

Four out of five parents report that they would prefer their child to go to university than study VET, http://bit.ly/2vPBkPF but it is crucial that both parents and students take the time to understand the VET sector and that a preference for just university study may in some cases limit the potential of a young person.

Between twenty and thirty per cent of young people in Australia drop out of or change their university course within the first year.  Many young people do not even consider studying VET due to incorrect perceptions or through lack of understanding of the sector.

It is no secret that employers love job applicants who have TAFE qualifications, including those who graduate from a university degree with a VET qualification.

VET graduates are considered to have ‘job ready’ skills and in the future labour market in Australia with one in every two young people expected to complete a Bachelor degree, it is more important than ever to have diverse skills, industry experience and more than one qualification (for example: a Bachelor of Engineering with a TAFE Diploma in Project Management).

Did you know that nine out of ten occupations predicted to have the most jobs growth by 2022 are in vocational training areas and in the industries with the most growth (for example: health and community services, construction, and accommodation and food services)? Source: http://bit.ly/1mab7j7 

Specific occupations with the biggest growth prediction include sales assistants, aged care workers, disability workers, enrolled nurses, electricians, chefs and early childhood education workers.

Current skills shortages are in occupations such as automotive trades, food trades, construction trades and building professionals.

A report, titled: ‘Perceptions Are Not Reality: myths, realities and the critical role of vocational education and training in Australia’, was released by Skilling Australia Foundation last year, http://bit.ly/2vPBkPF

It revealed the following:
•  VET graduates earn wages comparable to, if not exceeding, that of university graduates.
•  VET graduates have a higher employment rate than university undergraduates.  More than seventy-eight per cent of VET graduates are employed after training.
•  VET courses have adapted more readily to changing workforce needs.

There are some occupations that require a university degree (for example: medicine, social work, law).
It is advisable that students consider undertaking VET study during their gap year such as a gap year traineeship or TAFE course and concurrently with their university studies (if time permits).

Other benefits of TAFE courses include:
•  Higher level courses (such as a Diploma) can provide a direct pathway into university courses with credit.
•  Can give you the opportunity to trial an industry or career area before you commit to university study.
•  Can give you a qualification you can use to gain part-time work whilst undertaking university study.

Did you know you can study a huge range of vocational courses at TAFE?  TAFE provides students with the opportunity to:
•  Undertake applied learning.
•  Gain ‘industry ready’ experience.
•  Learn about industries and careers.
•  Obtain a qualification in a relatively short time frame.

The following are example courses you could consider:

Jane knows she loves working with people, has excellent written and verbal communication skills, is creative, loves thinking outside the box, is highly organised and enjoys solving problems.  She explores the following TAFE courses:
•  Public Relations
•  Marketing
•  Advertising
•  Professional Writing and Editing
•  Broadcast Journalism
•  Liberal Arts
•  Library and Information Services

Sheridan loves sciences and health and is considering working in rehabilitation, medical sciences or allied health in the future.  She explores the following courses:
•  Dental Technology
•  Nursing
•  Massage and Myotherapy
•  Allied Health Assistance
•  Laboratory Technology
•  Pathology Collection

Paul knows he loves helping people and that he would like to work in counselling, case management, or human services in the future.  He explores the following courses:
•  Community Services
•  Youth Work
•  Disability Services
•  Mental Health
•  Alcohol and other Drugs
•  Aged Care

To search for TAFE courses, use the following websites:
•  Victorian Skills Gateway, http://bit.ly/2cPZDUF
•  TAFE NSW, http://bit.ly/1mgtM05
•  MySkills (Australia wide), http://bit.ly/2gWp25g
•  Private Colleges Australia, http://bit.ly/2fd3Moe

It is important to note that many courses have optional or compulsory information sessions that run between now and the end of the year.  You will need to ensure that you attend these sessions and also fulfil any portfolio or selection task requirements.

Key VET websites include:
•  Get VET, https://bit.ly/2CKD9Va
•  VET. It’s right now, https://bit.ly/2yhKLdT
•  Skills Road, https://bit.ly/2P2YazQ
•  Australian Apprenticeship Pathways, www.aapathways.com.au/
•  SkillsOne, www.skillsone.com.au/
•  Myfuture, https://myfuture.edu.au/

FREE TAFE COURSES – VICTORIA

If you live or work in Victoria, you may be eligible for a fully subsidised course at a Victorian TAFE Institute starting next year.

The following are eligible courses:

Non-apprenticeship courses
•  Accounting and Bookkeeping (Certificate IV)
•  Accounting (Diploma, Advanced Diploma)
•  Alcohol and Other Drugs (Certificate IV)
•  Ageing Support (Certificate IV)
•  Agriculture (Certificate II, III, IV)
•  Agriculture (Dairy Production) (Certificate III)
•  Allied Health Assistance (Certificate II, III)
•  Building and Construction (Building) (Certificate IV, Diploma)
•  Building and Surveying (Advanced Diploma)
•  Child, Youth and Family Intervention (Certificate IV)
•  Civil Construction (Certificate III)
•  Civil Construction Supervision (Certificate IV)
•  Commercial Cookery (Certificate III)
•  Community Services (Certificate III, IV, Diploma)
•  Concreting (Certificate III)
•  Construction Waterproofing (Certificate III)
•  Cyber Security (Certificate IV)
•  Dental Assisting (Certificate III, IV)
•  Disability (Certificate IV)
•  Education Support (Certificate III, IV)
•  Engineering (Certificate IV)
•  Horticulture (Certificate III)
•  Hospitality (Certificate III)
•  Individual Support (Certificate III)
•  Justice (Diploma)
•  Mental Health (Certificate IV)
•  Nursing (Diploma)
•  Plumbing and Service (Certificate IV)
•  Rail Infrastructure (Certificate III)
•  Tourism (Certificate III)
•  Youth Work (Certificate III)

Apprenticeship pathway courses
The following courses are all Certificate II level:
•  Automotive: Air Conditioning, Body Repair Technology, Servicing Technology, Vocational Preparation
•  Baking
•  Building and Construction
•  Construction Pathways
•  Electrotechnology: Studies (Pre Vocational), Career Start
•  Engineering: Pathways, Studies
•  Furniture Making
•  Glass and Glazing
•  Horticulture
•  Meat Processing (Food Services)
•  Plumbing (Pre Apprenticeship)
•  Printing and Graphic Arts
•  Production Nursery
•  Salon Assistant
•  Signage and Graphics

To check your eligibility and to search for TAFE courses and providers, use these websites:
•  Victorian Skills Gateway, https://bit.ly/2yG6vzc
•  Victorian Government, https://bit.ly/2QKwsVK

NSW students may be eligible if they have a job in Victoria.

FOCUS ON ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN COURSES

Where can I study architecture?  To become a qualified architect, you will need to complete a three-year accredited undergraduate degree in architecture followed by a two-year Master of Architecture.
The following are undergraduate courses you can study in Victoria:
•  Deakin University: Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Master of Architecture, Geelong Waterfront.  You can also combine the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) with the Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours), http://bit.ly/2xZm6HL
•  Monash University: Bachelor of Architectural Design/Master of Architecture, Caulfield.  You can also combine the Bachelor of Architectural Design with the Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), https://bit.ly/2yt4gQz
•  RMIT: Bachelor of Architectural Design/Master of Architecture, Melbourne, http://bit.ly/2vPaAzc
•  Swinburne University: Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Master of Architecture, Hawthorn, https://bit.ly/2vmG2Fw
•  The University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Design (majoring in Architecture)/Master of Architecture, Parkville, http://bit.ly/2yCJgIG

Further information – Australian Institute of Architects, http://bit.ly/2yKdw3T

Where can I study landscape architecture?  To become a qualified landscape architect, you will need to complete a three-year accredited undergraduate degree in landscape architecture followed by a two-year Master of Architecture.
You can study undergraduate landscape architecture at the following Victorian universities:
•  RMIT: Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design/Master of Architecture, Melbourne, http://bit.ly/2h0i9ND
•  The University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Design (majoring in Landscape Architecture)/Master of Landscape Architecture, Parkville, http://bit.ly/2yCJgIG

Further information – Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, http://bit.ly/2yIkNkt

What about urban planning?  To become an urban planner, you usually have to complete a four-year accredited Bachelor degree or an accredited Bachelor/Master program.
The following are courses in Victoria:
•  La Trobe University: Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning, Bendigo, http://bit.ly/1PlLAGQ
•  RMIT: Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours), Melbourne, http://bit.ly/2y0OVIK
•  The University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Design (majoring in Urban Planning)/Master of Urban Planning OR Master of Urban Design, Parkville, http://bit.ly/2yCJgIG
•  Monash University: Master of Urban Planning and Design, Caulfield, https://bit.ly/2PffgL9

Further information – Planning Institute of Australia, http://bit.ly/2yLMqt1

EXAM PREPARATION WEBSITES

Preparing for exams
The following articles have been taken from Deakin ‘this’, https://bit.ly/2CYPdlB
•  Exam tips from high achieving Year 12s
•  Effective ways to memorise for exams
•  How to succeed in your final exams
•  Students take notes and ace your exams

Youth Central: Exam preparation tips, http://bit.ly/1tj9QPF

ReachOut: Beat exam stress by reading useful tips from ReachOut, http://bit.ly/2yJSW39

Lisa’s Study Guides: Focused on preparing for Victorian English exams, https://bit.ly/227DGng

Five free phone apps to download now, http://bit.ly/2gEnTzr 
•  My Study Life
•  ReachOut Breath
•  HabitBull
•  Recharge
•  Pause

VOCATIONAL AND HIGHER EDUCATION NEWS

Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships: The Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships Program supports students with the costs of studying at university or at a vocational education and training institution.  The scholarships are valued at up to $18,000 each and the course must be either Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Health or Agriculture related.  The scholarship is administered through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre and applications for the 2019 intake are now open, https://bit.ly/2jLXqNQ 

Interested in animation and visual effects?  Collarts has just announced they will be offering the Diploma and Bachelor of Animation and VFX in collaboration with CG Spectrum from 2019.  This course will be fully online and will suit students interested in pursuing a career in animation and visual effects career in the film, television, online entertainment or gaming, https://bit.ly/2QQnpCP

Passionate about languages?  Having a second language is great for your future employment prospects.  Did you know that you can study a Diploma of Languages whilst you are studying a Bachelor degree at most universities?
You do not need to have any previous experience with the language you are interested in.  The following are examples of Diploma programs at several universities:
•  The University of Melbourne, http://bit.ly/2dNWJBV
•  Monash University, http://bit.ly/2dAyl8t
•  La Trobe University, http://bit.ly/2elX5k6
•  Deakin University, https://bit.ly/2JcPd1u
•  RMIT, http://bit.ly/2eYjqWR
•  Australian National University, http://bit.ly/2dBGTHt

Learn about the ATAR:  La Trobe University has created a video which helps students and parents to understand what an ATAR is, how the ATAR is calculated, what subject scaling is and prerequisites at La Trobe.  To view the video go to, http://bit.ly/1VNlMqb

Have you considered studying economics in the future?  The Reserve Bank of Australia has developed career resources for prospective students interested in pursuing a career in economics.  Access the resources at this link, http://bit.ly/2it8bYI

Search for university scholarships:  The Country Education Foundation has developed a resource to assist Year 12 students to find and apply for university scholarships.  To access the resource go to, http://bit.ly/2yGMSGX

Interested in studying law in the future? Secondary school students interested in studying the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne in the future can subscribe to the ‘Future Law’ newsletter.  This will allow prospective students to be kept up to date about special events, key application dates, news and more within the Melbourne Law School.  To subscribe go to, http://bit.ly/2eXFxg8

Have you considered studying design or architecture at Deakin University?  Prospective students can bookmark the Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment blog and follow the work of Deakin students, lecturers and alumni.  You can bookmark the page at this link, http://bit.ly/2znXzO2

Monash Science – Parent Chat:  Monash Science is offering a great resource for parents who may need some additional advice regarding their child’s selection of a Science degree at Monash University.
Parent’s are able to speak directly with a Science VTAC Selection Officer to have their questions answered around entry requirements, how to calculate subject adjustment bonus, SEAS, Monash Guarantee or other science-related enquiries.  Please email questions to Kim Aitken at kim.aitken@monash.edu

Have you considered studying nanotechnology?  Nanotechnology is the engineering and manipulation of extremely small matter and is one of the fastest growing areas of technology and scientific research.  The degree suits students who love Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry and would like to work in the field of material and physical sciences.  The following are examples of three courses you can study in Victoria:
•  La Trobe University: Bachelor of Science (Honours)/Master of Nanotechnology, http://bit.ly/2y2owKC  Watch the video – Decoding Nano here, http://bit.ly/2gykJtn
•  RMIT: Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology)/Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences), http://bit.ly/2gCs3YK Read Karen’s story here, http://bit.ly/2zKFjPR
•  RMIT: Approved Bachelor degree in an area such as science or engineering/Master of Nanotechnology and Smart Materials, http://bit.ly/2n7O1TW

Where can a social work degree take you?  One area you can work in is rehabilitation of people who have committed crimes.  Rather than seeking to punish criminals, Dr Sophie Goldingay believes play could be key to rehabilitating them.  Working in Deakin’s School of Health and Social Development, Dr Goldingay helped develop an innovative ‘play therapy’ program to reshape mindsets.  Discover her creative new approach to rehabilitation, http://bit.ly/2cM6fGM
You can study social work in Victoria at:
•  Deakin University, http://bit.ly/2dDHI3H
•  La Trobe University, http://bit.ly/23Y328R
•  Monash University, http://bit.ly/1omFO8U
•  RMIT, http://bit.ly/2dkHp2k
•  The University of Melbourne, http://bit.ly/2dkH5AX
•  Victoria University, http://bit.ly/2dBr3wW

Master of Food Systems and Gastronomy at William Angliss Institute:  This course is unique to Australia and will explore the challenging problems facing contemporary food systems and cultures.  The program will focus on the areas of food production, distribution and consumption, policy, food security and sovereignty and community health and wellbeing, http://bit.ly/2dmbXP0

CAREERS WITH STEM

•  2018 UNSW Bragg Writing Prize competition: Read the winning essays here, https://bit.ly/2Parjtf

• What kind of scientist are you?  Get your career inspiration right here, with the ten different types of scientists you could become, https://bit.ly/2R4iRJm

•  The highest paying careers in STEM:  It is definitely not all about the money, but it never hurts to find out a little about the highest paying jobs in STEM – you might be surprised by the results! https://bit.ly/2PMyAMR

•  Getting smart with skills at Questacon: Careers in science are not always about research.  Find out what a career in science communication looks like with the Questacon Smart Skills Initiative!  https://bit.ly/2EEVEMl

•  Urban Engineers making our cities smarter:  Learn how urban engineers are shaping our cities, http://bit.ly/2zwZxLI

•  2018 Careers With Code magazine – just released!  In this issue of Careers with STEM: Code, you will meet computer scientists creating solutions to social challenges across agriculture, artificial intelligence, health, universal accessibility, cybersecurity and more.  Plus, meet mentors making a difference in their community and discover the best paid, most in demand careers in tech.  You will get exclusive access to events, programs and tools to help you skill up quickly or find your study paths.  Order your copy here, https://bit.ly/2ytOMM9

Interesting articles shared by My Career Match:
•  Australian Jobs 2018:  This publication provides an overview of trends in the Australian labour market to support job seekers and young people considering future careers and pathways, https://bit.ly/2q6jir0
•  Robots at the Gate:  Employers want employees who are tech savvy, collaborate, communicate, and have problem-solving skills.  That being the case, where do our students learn these attributes, how and who will teach them these life skills.  ‘Robots at the Gate’ is a good read about humans and technology at work, https://bit.ly/2S46Swu

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Young Leaders Program, Trinity College, The University of Melbourne:  This residential program gives fourteen to seventeen year old students the opportunity to live on campus and undertake lectures and workshops at Trinity College and the University of Melbourne with other like-minded young leaders.  The three-week summer program will be running in November and December and consists of:
•  Week One:  Sunday 26 November to Sunday 3 December – Arts, Leadership for Social Justice, English Intensive: Drama and Communication, Biomedicine.
•  Week Two:  Sunday 3 to Sunday 10 December – Fine Arts, The Law and Justice, Science and Engineering.
•  Week Three:  Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 December – Personal Development for Future Leaders, Environment and Sustainability: Coastal Discovery Program, Commerce.

A range of scholarships for domestic students are available.  For information and to apply for the program go to, https://bit.ly/2OoyQ8f

Have you considered Land Surveying?  RMIT offers vocational and higher education courses in land surveying.  You have the opportunity to participate in a one-hour hands-on event at Yarra Bend Park on Thursday 15 November to learn about land surveying and study options at RMIT.
You will get the opportunity to do some practical activities including setting up and using a surveying total station instrument and meet with staff who teach surveying at RMIT.  For information and to register go to, https://bit.ly/2IXItEQ

Melbourne Computing Summer Camp (MCSC):  Are you excited about artificial intelligence, coding and robotics?  MCSC provides a fantastic opportunity for students commencing Years 10 and 11 in 2019 to:
•  Explore the study and career possibilities of computing and how it is transforming our world.
•  Participate in hands-on workshops at the University of Melbourne and RMIT where they will learn about cybersecurity, gaming, virtual reality, AI and robotics.
•  Experience life on campus, staying at Trinity College at the University of Melbourne.
This free event presented by the University of Melbourne and RMIT and supported by Google, the MCSC will be held from 20 to 23 January.  For information and to apply go to, https://bit.ly/2IUQ3jr

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience:  Years 9 and 10 students are invited to participate in the three-day ConocoPhillips Science Experience to be held at the following education institutes in November and January.
•  The University of Melbourne, Dookie Campus: 28 to 30 November.  Register before 15 November.
•  The University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus: 14 to 16 January.  Register before 31 October.
•  RMIT, City Campus: 15 to 17 January.  Register before 31 October.
•  Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre: 21 to 23 January.  Register before 31 October.

For information and to register your place go to, https://bit.ly/2ap3Cau

Deadly Day of Science:  This free event is a science experience day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 7 to 10 at RMIT Bundoora.  Students will participate in hands-on science workshops, an Indigenous cultural tour and enjoy a pizza lunch at the Ngarara Willim Centre.  The event will be held on Friday 16 November and registrations are now open, https://bit.ly/2PAh923

Yulendj Summer Camp:  Experience Monash this December!  The Yulendj Indigenous Engagement Unit invites students who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Years 10 to 12 (sixteen years and over) to participate in the free Experience Monash Indigenous Summer Camp from 4 to 8 December 2018 at the Clayton Campus!
Students will stay at Monash’s Residential Services, tour the Clayton and Peninsula Campuses and participate in a number of hands-on activities.  There will also be cultural, team building and leadership exercises.  For information on how to apply go to, https://bit.ly/2NTVsrP

Peninsula Experience Day: Monash University will be hosting an Experience Day at the Peninsula Campus on Tuesday 27 November.  This day will offer a range of insightful and interactive workshops for students passionate about health, sport or business courses.
Students will have the opportunity to speak to Monash staff and students and about transitioning into VCE and how to get the most out of your final secondary school years.  Students will also have the opportunity to attend a faculty workshop in either Health and Physical Education, Business or Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.  For information and to register your place go to, https://bit.ly/2EFK6Zd

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

OCTOBER
Currently to 17 November:  Dynamics of Air Exhibition, RMIT Gallery, https://bit.ly/2FM1kn2

NOVEMBER
PaperSpace Student Exhibition, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University.  Melbourne, 5 to 9 November, Geelong, 13 to 23 November, https://bit.ly/2znXzO2

15 November: Experience Surveying, RMIT, Yarra Bend, https://bit.ly/2IXItEQ

16 November: Deadly Day of Science, RMIT, Bundoora, https://bit.ly/2PAh923

26 November to 17 December:  The Young Leaders Program, Trinity College, the University of Melbourne, https://bit.ly/2OoyQ8f

27 November:  Peninsula Experience Day, Monash University. Peninsula Campus, https://bit.ly/2EFK6Zd

28 to 30 November:  The ConocoPhillips Science Experience, the University of Melbourne, Dookie Campus.  Register before 15 November, https://bit.ly/2ap3Cau

30 November: Graduate Exhibition and Fashion Runway, Whitehouse College of Design, Melbourne, https://bit.ly/2E81RAj