Career News
For students & parents…
So… what brings you here?
Apr 7th
Is it for…
- Help with your resume?
- Assistance with your letter of application?
- Ideas for work experience?
- VCE Information?
- VET Information?
- School Leaver Jobs?
- Information about school based apprenticeships?
- Keeping your finger on the CAREER pulse (with weekly news/updates/ideas)
Who is this blog for?
- Secondary School Students (& parents), if that’s YOU… welcome!
- For greater detail about who and what we are visit the parent link.
You won’t need us ALL the time, but…
Here are 3 Ways to keep in touch (& IT’s free!)
- facebook page (look for Sheppartoncareerinfo)
- twitter Follow @Car33rs
- email – simply type your email address in the subscribe box to the right, and hit the ‘subscribe’ button.
Uni of Melbourne is in Town!
May 15th
Don’t miss out… click this link to find out more….
Wednesday 16th May 2012
Shepparton 6.30pm to 8pm
Rural Health Academic Centre
49 Graham Street (opposite hospital)
2012 – Week 14 – Career News
May 14th
In This Issue
- How do you find a school based apprenticeship?
- Can an ASBA help if you want to go to Uni?
How DO you find a school based apprenticeship?
How do you find a part-time (school based) apprenticeship and where do you start? Here are some ideas which have worked for students in the past.
- UNDERSTAND how a school based apprenticeship works – quiz your careers advisor to get it right.
- Get some brochures about school based apprenticeships from your Careers Advisor.
- Try two weeks of work experience in a career interest area.
- Put in 100% at work experience/s – show them what a great employee you are (or would be).
- TALK to your boss/es about school based apprenticeships and give them the brochure.
- Tell them that you are looking for a school based apprenticeship and that you would love to work for them one day a week.
Sometimes they want to know more about it – so give them your careers advisor’s phone number.- Sometimes they say ‘no’ – but that’s OK – there are many reasons employers say no, usually it’s because there is not enough work or they can’t afford to put on an extra employee. However, if you don’t ask, you won’t find out! They may call you in 6 months time when things change!
- KEEP your careers advisor in the loop – they can keep track of how the process is going.
- Ask your careers advisor (Shepparton region only) for an ASBA expression of interest form. Michelle Mosenki from CVGT may be able to help by approaching employers for you.
Can an ASBA help me if I want to go to Uni?
- ASBA = Australian School Based Apprenticeship
ASBA’s give you a nationally recognised certificate. So at the end of your VCE you will, if successful, have two qualifications.
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
- Certificate II in Business Management (for example)
What advantage would this give you if you want to go to University?
- The combination of your practical skills and university degree will make you highly employable and give you the edge when marketing yourself.
- Your Uni studies may be more meaningful and relevant as you have experienced first hand the applications in the work place
The down side of doing an ASBA with a VCE program is that you have to work extra hard to keep up with your VCE requirements. Why? Because you will be in the workplace one day a week for your ASBA, giving you less time in classes.
So a word of warning. It won’t be easy, and you will have to be pretty switched on to cope with the demands of a dual Certificate.
Talk to your Careers Advisor and/or VCE Program Manager about ASBA options.
You won’t know what is available unless you ask!
Hot Tips this week….
It is National Career Development Week!!
What can you do to help celebrate…?? Shut your eyes, think about your future. What does it look like? What little thing can you do this week to make it happen? Even if it is just dropping by the Careers Office for a quick chat! (And wish them a happy Careers Development week!)
Here are some suggestions to start your celebrations….
Job Guide
- Watch our podcast then follow the links to explore a few career options on the job guide website
Bulls Eye
- If you like a subject at school, you can find all the careers that relate to the subject. Watch our quick podcast before exploring the bulls eye charts.
My Future
- Search for a specific career at MyFuture to help you find relevant information.
Alife - Click and Visit
- Here is a great career site with video clips about different jobs.
2012 – Week 13 – Career News
May 6th
In This Issue
- How do you know which Uni Course to choose?
How do you know which Uni Course to choose?
As a mother and a careers advisor who has watched my own (and other parents’) children struggle with finding suitable courses for University, I can suggest the following:
- Think about your subjects at school, which do you enjoy? Chances are you will also like university subject/courses which are similar. If it helps, rank your VCE subjects from 1 to 10 (the higher the score the more you enjoy the subject).
- Perhaps Health & Human Development tops your list, you then need to research courses based around Health. (If you like 2 or 3 subjects equally, don’t stress, you just have more options to explore!)
- This is how my daughters tackled it and something you might like to consider for yourself:
- Collect as many brochures from as many universities as possible. (Unless you have specific ideas about which University you want to go to). Hint: Brochures can be collected at the TIS event coming up June 18. Also Meet Melbourne on 16 May in Shepparton.
- Arm yourself with different colour sticky tabs.
- Go through each brochure. Locate the relevant sections based upon your favourite school subjects.
- For each course which ‘tweaks’ your interest, rate it out of 10, use your colour labels and stick to the relevant pages. (eg. Blue for subjects scored 9-10, yellow for 7-8, pink 5-6 etc)
- Scribble any thoughts or ideas you have in the brochure as you are sorting, this helps tremendously.
- Some students find it easier to cross out courses which hold no interest – whatever way works for you, just do it.
- Recycle brochures which hold NO interest to you. No need to clutter up your space.
- Keep all your research material together in one place. Don’t hide them away!
- Take a break for a few weeks because your brain needs to refresh.
- Tackle the pile again and re-evaluate your choices, re-labeling, crossing off or adding to the list as appropriate.
- Consider the ATAR for each course; is this score within your capabilities? Discuss this with your teachers and VCE Program Manager.
- Discuss your choices with somebody; verbalising your thoughts also helps in the process of elimination (or illumination!)
- Develop an “Open Day” plan of attack for your higher ranked courses so you can visit and find out more (network with your friends so you can go together and save fuel).
- Revisit your brochures every so often in the lead up to the end of the year when you apply for University through VTAC (or elsewhere).
- Ensure you develop back-up plans if the course you most want doesn’t end up being offered to you.
- If you are not a ‘brochure’ buff, you can use the VTAC (Victorian Only) “CourseSearch” or “CourseLink” feature to help ‘filter’ suitable courses (this can sometimes be unavailable depending on time of year).
- - Visit www.vtac.edu.au,
- - Locate ‘CourseSearch” button and click.
- - NOTE: if not many subjects appear, return to the home page and scroll down and click on the link “Careers Professionals”. Locate the CourseSearch button here.
- - Make your selections in the various boxes
- - Click “List Courses”
- - Watch our podcasts if you cannot figure it out at: VTAC CourseSearch or VTAC CourseLink
- - You may not feel 100% sure of the course you select using this method… but it is a start… you can always change directions at any time in the future… people do this all the time – and survive!
Good luck with your research.
Hot Tips this week….
Experience LaTrobe
- Melbourne – July 3
- Bendigo – July 5
- Albury-Wodonga—15 June
Want to keep in touch so you don’t miss out on Latrobe information? www.latrobe.edu.au/keepintouch
MyDay @ Charles Sturt
- If you think Charles Sturt is your future Uni then you should make 100% sure you feel happy being a student there by registering to attend a “MyDay” event – look and book on link above.
Massage Therapy?
- Echuca—Murray College of Health Education – Information evening 4 June 5 to 6pm. Register 54825107 or email programs@murraycollege.com.au
ACU Upcoming Events
- ACU = Australian Catholic University
- Friday 25 May – Career Advisory Day—Melbourne, 9am – 3pm. Register at: www.acu.edu.au/advisoryday
- Wednesday 4 July – University Experience Day—Ballarat, 9am – 3.30pm. If you are interested in nursing, Paramedicine, early childhood or primary teaching – register at: www.acu.edu.au/universityexperience
2012 – Week 12 – Career News
Apr 29th
In This Issue
- The Age VCE & Careers Expo
- What does Curriculum Vitae (CV) mean?
- GAP Year?
- Law? Not Quite Sure… Maybe Later?
- Jobs and Apprenticeships
- So, it’s the AFL for you, is it?
The Age VCE & Careers Expo
Here is a great way to explore your future. You have all the people you need in one building to help you make important decisions about your immediate future: Uni, TAFE, Gap Year, VCE Subjects (resources to help your study score), Studying Overseas and soooo much more. Grab a free ticket from your VCE Coordinator (if they still have some) and head along to Caulfield Racecourse this Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th May. Cost $10.
What does Curriculum Vitae (CV) mean?
“CV” roughly translated, means “the way my life has run”. You will need a CV (or Resume) when you leave school and/or applying for your first job. Your CV gives an employer a good idea of who you are , what you can do and how you can fit into their business.
GAP Year?
Thinking about a Gap Year next year? What are your options? Lattitude Global Volunteering is having an info sessions in June and other companies can help you out. Spend some of your time exploring the various options available to you at: http://sheppartonvce.edublogs.org/looking-for-gap-year-ideas/
Law? Not Quite Sure… Maybe Later?
Interested in LAW but not quite sure? One option, as you are a Secondary School student, is to study an undergraduate degree (of your choice) at University (3 to 4 years) then go on to study the Juris Doctor (or JD). The JD leads to admission to the legal profession in all Australian jurisdictions—and is offered by the University of Melbourne, Monash and RMIT. There are also interstate options (search for “Juris Doctor”). Store this gem away in your career plans—of course your careful exploration will help you decide which undergraduate degree to study in the first place!
Jobs and Apprenticeships
The Apprenticeship Factory up-date their web site each week. You should get into the habit of checking the site on a regular basis. How will you remember to do this? A reminder on your mobile or ipod perhaps? Check full details at http://http://monash.edu.au/study/life/indigenous and try our blog http://sheppartonjobinfo.edublogs.org (hint: click on the ‘Job Hunting’ link).
So, it is the AFL for you, is it?
Our Xtranormal clip this week explores the career ambitions of a talented football player. Will he focus fully on his career ambition or decide to think outside the square?
AFL Career Dreams
by: ScaddenFay
Hot Tips this week…
JMC Academy - Music, Audio Engineering, Entertainment Business, Animation, Game Design, Film and Television… Interested? Open Day 12 May and 18 August—must register.
Indigenous Student Experience Monash Day - Year 9, 10 & VCE students can go along to Monash and get a hands on experience and find out what Monash has to offer. Thursday 17 May. To register contact Kristel on kristel@monash.edu or 99058699.
MAJOR? What is a major?…When you study for a Degree (for example a Bachelor of Science), by selecting a combination of appropriate subjects, you can ‘specialise’ in a particular area (eg. Mathematics) . So, when you graduate, you will have a Bachelor of Science, with a Maths Major.
2012 – Week 11 – Careers News
Apr 22nd
In This Issue
- Love Sport? Enjoy Science?
- Experience LaTrobe
- Mid Year Holidays? Expand Your Resume!
- Work Experience Ideas
Love Sport? Enjoy Science?
Can you see yourself working with athletes? Assisting elite sports people with diet (nutrition), working on footballers feet (podiatry) or swimmers mental toughness psychology). You can massage ballet dancers bodies (massage therapy), help soccer players recover from injuries (physiotherapy) and improve netballers performance (exercise physiology).
Where can you go to find out how to get involved in one of these careers? The Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre is hosting an information evening on 23 May at AAMI Park Stadium. Register (by May 18) online and find out more about combining your love of sport and science at www.opsmc.com.au/professional-development/careers-evening.html
Experience LaTrobe
This annual event gives you the chance to check out La Trobe’s: Melbourne, Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga campuses and see what uni life is all about. There are three Experience La Trobe programs this year.
- Friday 15 June Albury Wodonga
- Tuesday 3 July Melbourne campus
- Thursday 5 July Bendigo campus
Mid Year Holidays? EXPAND Your Resume!
And it doesn’t have to be work experience either. You can gain new skills and knowledge by attending information sessions, activities, training sessions at Universities, TAFEs, Marine Centre’s, Zoo’s, Hair Dressing Academies… + more…. AND… don’t forget to pop it in your resume—employers love to see what sparks your passion and interests. Some school holidays activities are very popular, so now is a good time to spend a few minutes exploring our event calendar. Flick to July to see what is coming up.
Work Experience Ideas
At Tatura Milk there are a couple of guys who sit in a computer room in the centre of the complex and control the whole process from the moment the tanker locks in to download the milk into the factory until the time the milk exits (as cheese or some other product) … that’s amazing, challenging, and quite a responsibility! Tatura Milk http://www.tatmilk.com.au/ is a great place for work experience, there are a variety of careers available including accounting, engineering, info tech, laboratory work – a full list is available on their web site. If you are interested in finding out more aboutt work experience at Tatura Milk visit our work experience blog for further details http://sheppworkexperienceinfo.edublogs.org/ click on ‘ideas’ on the left hand side.
This weeks’ hot tips…
A school leavers resume – Don’t forget our 11 one-minute xtranormal clips will guide you through how to put your sensational resume together!
Year 10—Careers Day Out - is coming up soon. On Thursday 17th May, Year 10 students from our region will congregate in Shepparton to talk to different career people. Stay tuned for information sessions in you school or visit our link (opens in new window) for more information.
ACU Advisory Day – The Australian Catholic Uni (Melbourne) is having their Advisory day on 25th May. Have all your questions answered on the day! Must Register.
Event Calendar - It is YOUR future, YOU are in charge! So, what other events are coming up which you can go to? Keep an eye on our event calendar for up-coming events.
2012 – Week 10 – Career News
Apr 15th
In This Issue
- YOU Session
- DEAKIN—Medicine & Optometry Info Sessions
- At Monash Seminar Series
- IT Challenge
- Your “Values” & how they shape your career
- Considering Massage or Myotherapy?
YOU SESSION
The Australian Defence Force is holding a YOU Session in Echuca on May 1st. They don’t often come up our way, so this is a great opportunity. For full details call the Careers Promotion Team on 86335031 or email cptvic@dfr.com.au.
To find out more about the You Session and how to enrol to participate, visit http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/ (click on ‘how to join’) and watch the video clip which explains each step of the application process.
DEAKIN—Medicine & Optometry Info Sessions
If interested in either Medicine or Optometry at Deakin then here is your chance to find out more. There are 3 information evenings 15, 16 & 17 May but at different locations (Geelong, Ballarat Hospital and Melbourne Burwood Campus). For full details call the Student and Academic Services 03925117777 or email health-enquire@deakin.edu.au
At Monash Seminar Series
The At Monash Seminars are already well under way but there are still more to come. The At Monash Seminar Series provides an opportunity for students, parents and secondary school teachers to gain an insight into courses and careers in a broad range of fields across the faculties and campuses of Monash University. Each Seminar is unique to the Faculty or discipline but all will cover an overview of the area, current student and graduate perspective and provide attendees an opportunity to talk to faculty representatives.
At Monash Seminar Series dates can be found on our Event Calendar.
IT Challenge
How do you develop your IT skills at school? Entering into competitions such as Monash’s IT Challenge 2012 will give you a lot to write about in your resume! The IT Challenge is a multiple category competition for students and celebrated in a final IT Challenge awards night in July 2012. All Secondary Schools in Australia are eligible to enter. The competition is directed at students studying in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12. More information:
www.infotech.monash.edu.au/promotion/competitions/it-challenge/
Considering Massage or Myotherapy?
Don’t really know if it is right career choice for you? And, it is HARD to get work experience in this field, right?! So what can you do? Vic Uni (VU) offers a 12 hour “Introduction to Massage” short course during the school holidays (plenty of time to plan for July!). You can learn some practical massage skills and gain an insight into the role of a Massage Therapist (Myotherapist). There are costs involved, but what a great way to figure out if this is the right choice for you. For further information or to register, phone the School of Sport and Science (9919 5580) or visit their website.
Hot Tips this week….
Work Experience in ICT Boot Camp? - You can participate in a week of work experience (9 July to 13 July) at the Computer Games Boot Camp at Monash University, Clayton Campus. Very popular placement with numerous spots available, so act NOW. Contact Andrew Owen – 03 9903 1441 or andrew.owen@infotech.monash.edu.au
Your “Values”, how they shape your career
Our Xtranormal Clip this week explores how your “Values” impact on your career choices.
Values
by: ScaddenFay
2012 – Week 9 – Career News
Mar 26th
In This Issue
- SAY CHEESE!
- UMAT
- CAREERS DAY OUT
- WHAT YOU DOIN’?
Say Cheese!
This week our xtranormal clip explores the many different jobs available in our local food processing companies. Do you know what jobs Tatura Milk / Bega, Campbells & SPC Ardmona offer?
Say Cheese
by: ScaddenFay
UMAT
Year 12: If you are planning to apply for a course in: medicine, dentistry, medical laboratory science, optometry, oral health, clinical sciences, vision sciences, clinical sciences, pharmacy or physiotherapy, you may need to sit the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Test (UMAT). You can purchase practice exams.
Year 11: Explore what UMAT is all about so you are prepared for 2013.
Test is 25 July. Registrations OPEN early April & CLOSE June 1
Careers Day Out
Careers Day Out is an annual event for current Year 10 students from the Shepparton area. This year it will be held on 17th May at the Shepparton Sports Stadium. The day is designed to be interactive and informative and an ideal opportunity to meet and talk to people in a number of various career interest areas. It is also about networking and finding links into possible work experience placements and employment.
Visit: http://www.careersdayout.com.au/. Watch our xtranormal clip too.
Careers Day Out 2
by: ScaddenFay
What you doin’?
Do you know what you are doing at the end of this Year? Have you spoken with your Careers Advisor or VCE Program Manager about your plans? There are 3 choices you face at the end of Secondary Education:
1. Further Education or Training
2. Employment
3. Welfare
Here are some action plans which may help you.
Seeking an apprenticeship? Your current plan could include:
- Work experience during school holidays
- Resume and letter of application ready to take to employment agencies
- Using your network to develop leads to possible employers.
Going to University? Check out alternate pathways to your preferred course.
- Research the VTAC web site for similar courses
- Research University sites for pathway options to your preferred course – this can include preparing to attend Open Days
- Prepare questions to ask at the TIS event in June (Tertiary Information Services)
Totally unsure? Then take immediate action and visit your Careers Advisor. You can also:
- Try work experience in an area which you THINK might interest you.
- Use the job guide – write down a list of jobs which might interest you.
- Explore different occupations via the links supplied at our JOB information blog (click on Assignments/Research).
Hot Tips This Week…
The Age VCE and Careers Expo
- … this exciting expo lets you select from over 115 seminars: from gap year opportunities, vocational and higher education courses, career pathways to VCE study skills + more.
- With over 190 organisations for you to chat to, you will be able to gather and compare the necessary information to help plan your future.
- $10 per student (schools have been sent free passes so hunt one down!)
- Held at Caulfield Racecourse from Fri 3 to Sun 6 MAY.
- Store the date in your ipad, iphone or diary!
- Discuss and plan the day with your parents/guardians!
- To find out more, see your careers adviser or go to www.vceandcareers.com.au. 03 9596 8881
Talking to people you know about career options can open doors…
2012 – Week 8 – Career News
Mar 19th
Thinking Uni? Not sure where? Not sure what?
Try: VTAC CourseSearch or CourseLink
VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) have two handy tools to help you decide on a university or TAFE course. Which one do you use?
- Coursesearch is great if you want to find a course at University (for example who offers Physical Education and what subjects do I need to get in?). Your searches aren’t saved, but you can print information.
- Courselink is great if you want to pop in a VCE study program (list of subjects) and see what courses are available to you based on the subjects you are studying (or about to study). Your information is saved so you can revisit later.
- …..Year 11 & 12s – already have subjects loaded in the system and need the VCAA Student ID to log in (see your VCE Coordinator to get your number)
- …..Year 9 & 10s – can register to use the site (via email), and play with different VCE programs to explore their Uni options and choices.
- We supply two quick clips below to show you how to get around CourseSearch and CourseLink.
VTAC Courselink
VTAC Coursesearch
A Life Without Limits
Surveying is one of the oldest and most important professions of the civilized world. Since the Egyptians were building pyramids, Surveyors have been determining where things go and where boundaries belong. Everything you need to know about surveying can be found at www.alifewithoutlimits.com.au. Watch the 3 video clips from a work experience student, a tertiary student and a graduate. Explore options for work experience.
* * * * * * *
Leaving School?
Leaving school before you turn 17 is not easy. If you find a full time apprenticeship or job, and get special permission from your school and regional office then it is possible. You MIGHT be able to enrol at TAFE if you have successfully completed Year 10 and are not quite 17, but you still need permission from authorities.
We encourage you to remain at school for as long as possible because research shows (time and again) that you are far more likely to succeed in your career life (later on) by completing secondary school (now).
Nursing?
This weeks’ xtranormal clip is about nursing. We also supply some handy links to help you research a career in nursing.
Nursing
by: ScaddenFay
Here are two handy sites for you to start your research:
Hot Tips this week….
- Job Seeking? Don’t forget the Apprenticeship Factory and Shepp News advertise vacancies every Friday, you can find their links and many others at our Job Info blog.
- Holiday Programs – Holiday Programs offered by Universities, TAFEs and other educational institutions can be found on our Career Calendar.
- Smog Calculator - Did you know that you can use a “smog” calculator to calculate how well you write your English essays? This is one of the tips we provide under “Tips & Help” at our VCE Blog
- Job Guide - Is a great tool to check out jobs. Watch a quick podcast on how to use the online version.
- Mini Career Explorer - The MyFuture website has a dart game which helps you narrow down career choices based on your interests.
2012 – Week 7 – Career News
Mar 12th
In This Issue
- Engineering
- Career Planning
- Zoo Keeping
- Managing a Resort
- Punctuality, why bother?
Engineering
What exactly is Engineering? And which type of Engineering is for you? Watch our xtranormal clip and explore our suggested links below.
Engineers - you may need to allow the clip to download fully before playing – as it could stop and start.
by: ScaddenFay
MyFuture (opens in new window) – select a couple of videos and watch engineers talk about their job.
Swinburne (opens in new window) – the two videos here are worth watching. Explore the courses Swinburne have to offer. Does the 2012 Engineering Expo advertised here interest you? What will you do about it if it does?
University of Melbourne (opens in new window) - read about each of the different types of engineering by clicking on the blue buttons. Do any of these courses interest you? What will you do about it?
Where else can you study? Try LaTrobe University (opens in new window) – you will find some courses are at Bendigo! & Monash University (opens in new window). Compare the Courses.
Engineering Trades? (opens in new window). Have you watched our xtranormal clips about apprenticeships and traineeships? Do you need to take some steps towards achieving your apprenticeship? What are the steps?
Career Planning
Each time you find a bit of career information which interests you, what do you DO about it?
- Do you store important web sites as a favorite?
- Do you store contact details in your mobile?
- Do you keep a folder of stuff somewhere?
- Do you talk to your careers advisor, VCE Coordinator, parents or guardians about what you have found out?
- ‘Doing’ strategies help YOU to be in charge of YOUR destiny.
Zoo Keeping
Is this on your career wish list? What do you know about zoo keeping?
- Have you explored the Zoo Victoria (opens in new window) web site?
- What suggestions do they have about things you can DO now to help you become a zoo keeper later?
- Who in your network of friends and family can help you?
Managing a Resort?
Does this appeal to you? William Angliss (opens in new window) has some excellent courses, they can even teach you how to be a diving instructor!
- Set some of your time aside to explore what you would do if enrolled in their course.
- If you like what you see, when is their open day?
- Talk to your folk about getting there.
LaTrobe (opens in new window) also offer a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
- Compare both courses. - What do you like? Dislike?
- Should you visit both? - Will doing work experience help? – Who can help you find similar courses?
Punctuality—Why Bother?
If you turn up to class on time, with all of your equipment, you can write in your resume;
- ‘school reports demonstrate that I am consistently punctual and can be relied upon to bring the necessary equipment to class’.
Employers will be impressed and will give you a job over your friend who is always late!
Hot Tips this week….
Is Babysitting something you do? (Opens in new window)
Follow this link to find some sentences about baby sitting which you can use in a letter of application or resume.
2012 – Week 6 – Career News
Mar 6th
In This Issue
- Work Experience
- Forensic Science
- ICT Achievers Program
- Who is in charge of your career life?
- Auto Apprenticeships
Work Experience
Have you got the procedures for work experience right? Do you know what you have to do BEFORE going on placement? Has it been a while since you heard the instructions? Our Xtranormal clip will help you.
Work Experience Paperwork
by: ScaddenFay
Forensic Science
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine cannot offer work experience due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work they do, instead they offer information sessions which offer an insight into the various career opportunities available in the forensic sciences. The first session is during term 1 school holidays. Friday 13 Apr 2012 12:30 – 4pm at VIFM. A tour of the building will not be offered. Only 70 places are available so hurry and complete the registration form. For more information visit: VIFM Due to high demand for places, VIFM do not have seats available for parents/guardians.
ICT Achievers Program
ICT=Information and Communication Technology.
The ICT Achievers Program encourages Year 11 students to study and experience an ICT placement by giving them an opportunity to work in the ICT industry.
Students are able to see the diversity of ICT careers. Students will be involved in a fifteen working day industry placements with an organisation to be completed by December 31, 2012.
The ICT Achievers Program is open to all high ICT achieving Year 11 students. They will need to complete an application, signed by the Principal and Careers or ICT Teacher. Applications close on March 19, 2012. The industry placement is from May to December 2012.
Who is in charge of your Career Life?
If you know who it is, ask them, ‘what have you DONE about it recently’? I am hoping that you are standing in front of the mirror when you ask this question! A great starting point is asking yourself if anything in this newsletter interests you, if it does, then explore it further. Don’t forget to check out the Hot Tips below!
Auto Apprenticeships
Serious about becoming an auto mechanic? Here’s a cool web site to visit http://www.autoapprenticeships.com.au/
Hot Tips this week….
- Last Chance—Defence Technical Scholarship - Don’t forget applications close this Friday 9th March!
- The Young Worker Toolkit - Contains information about your responsibilities and where you stand at work.
- Australian Defence Force Cadets - Learn leadership, team building and survival skills. Barracks in Sobroan Street Shepparton.
- Work Experience Ideas? – Not sure where to go for work experience? Try our ideas.
- It’s a Date! – Explore the fantastic opportunities available to you on our calendar of events. Be in charge of your destination by being curious and pro-active!
2012 – Week 5 – Career News
Feb 26th
In This Issue
- Mobile Phones & The Work Place
- Apprenticeships—Tests & Videos
- Australian Defence Force GAP Year
- The best dairy people in the world!
- Year 12? Pursuing medicine /health courses?
- Spatial Science?
Mobile Phones & The Work Place
Our Xtranormal clip explores the differences between the way an employer thinks about phones, and the way a teenager thinks about them.
Apprenticeships – Tests & Videos
If you apply for an apprenticeship you will probably be asked to sit an aptitude test. What does ‘aptitude’ mean? If you are naturally gifted for a job or have the right set of skills, then an aptitude test will show this. If you are serious about finding an apprenticeship when you leave school, then you can DO something right now. Have a go at a practice test at: Australian Apprenticeships Pathways (opens in new window). You can ask your teachers to help you with things you don’t understand.
Are you wondering what an apprenticeship is like? You can find videos at the aapathways website which will help you understand what the job involves, and whether it is the right career for you.
Australian Defence Force GAP Year
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap year will open on 2 April for intakes in 2012 and 2013. The Gap Year program provides a once in a lifetime one year work experience program in the Navy or Army rather than a career for life. The Air Force Gap Year is currently not available. What do you need to do now? Read more and register at
- Defence Force Gap Year (opens in new window)
There are other alternatives to the ADF GAP Year, explore YOUR options:
- Australian Defence Force Academy (become an officer)
- Defence University Scholarship (paid to study at uni?)
- Navy Reserves & Army Reserves (work part time for the Navy/Army)
The best dairy people in the world
At our doorstep YOU have the ncdea (National Centre for Dairy Education). They can train you in all aspects of dairy farming (from farm to the factory). School based apprenticeships are a possibility, so you can enjoy the variety of work on a farm one day per week. See your Careers Advisor if you are keen, and ask them to contact the ncdea on 13000ncdea or visit ncdea (opens in new window). You too could be one of the best dairy people in the world!
Year 12? Pursuing Medicine/Health Courses?
Do you have to sit the UMAT (Undergraduate Medical Admissions Test)? Not sure? Don’t be a goose and miss out. Relevant links can be found at our VCE Blog.
Spatial Science?
What is it all about? Watch our Xtranormal Clip to find out.
Spatial Science
by: ScaddenFay
Explore Spatial Sciences further….
- Everything you need to know about spatial sciences, including where to study can be found at
Hot Tips this week….
- ‘Get Real Experience’ 2012 School Holiday Programs - RMIT University offers a number of free events designed to encourage students in years 10-12 to engage in hands-on workshops, explore life on campus and go behind the scenes, whilst experiencing different aspects of your chosen field: To register or to learn more about the Experience Day events visit www.rmit.edu.au/experiencedays.
- Serious about your VCE studies? – Revision programs during the school holidays will keep you up to speed. A number of companies offer revision programs—there are brochures in your VCE room or check the link.
- High School Abroad for a year? – A number of companies offer exchange programs. Direct links to exchange companies can be found using this link.
2012 – Week 4 – Career News
Feb 20th
In This Issue
- Body Odour & The Work Place
- Year 11—Work Experience
- Is your wage right?
- Rare Astronomical Event
- Surfin’ Uni Web sites
- DO NOT READ THIS ARTICLE
- Pilot?
Body Odour & The Work Place
Is body odour an issue in the workplace for school students? According to feedback from employers in our region there have been instances of some offensive smells. Watch our clip to find out how to avoid your smell being the only thing you are remembered for!
Body Odour
by: ScaddenFay
Year 11—Work Experience
Still not sure about what you want to do when you leave school? Take advantage of the work experience program at school to try a career (plus develop valuable work skills). Most schools allow students to do work experience during school holidays (not the Christmas break). Many full and part time jobs come from work experience! Speak to your Careers Advisor and visit our work experience blog for ideas for placement .
Is your wage right?
How do you know if you are being paid the right wage in your part time job? Young people have rights. Read Katie’s story (opens in a new window) at the Youth Central Site (a great site for career info). Katie worked at a fish and chip shop and didn’t get paid for quite a few weeks. Find out how she dealt with this situation.
Rare Astronomical Event
On 6 June 2012 the planet Venus will pass directly between Earth and the Sun, appearing to be a small black disc slowly moving across it. A rare occurrence (only 6 times since 1649). Maths and surveying principles were applied to the Transit in the mid 1700’s to better understand the size of the Solar System. If you want to understand more visit www.transitofvenus.com.au. Teachers can find class activities too, plus enter to win a SolarScope.
Surfin’ Uni Web sites
Set some time aside to compare courses and information on the web sites of universities. This will give you an insight on how they run and what they can offer you. Our ‘quick link’ guide has direct links to facebook, twitter, youtube and courses.
DO NOT READ THIS ARTICLE
Can’t follow instructions huh? Which heading in this newsletter appeals to you? (Still reading?) Our hot tip (please STOP reading!) is to look at the headings on our newsletter each week. (Stop it!). Ask yourself, ‘is this of interest to ME?’. (Still there? You are persistent!). If it is of interest to YOU, read the article in full (OBVIOUSLY you CAN read!). I can hear you ask ’why?’ (because you are still reading!!), and the answer is that YOU may be able to DO something about your career life. (Get out of here!).
Pilot?
We supply a clip about becoming a pilot here:
Pilot
by: ScaddenFay
Want to find out more? Watch some video clips at myfuture a great australian career website! There are 3 clips to watch! Or try the defence force site. For ideas about which airlines offer cadetships visit: http://www.pilotaptitude.com/?page=Cadetship/Overview/List
Hot Tips this week….
Our Events Calendar is filling with events which will help YOU to make career decisions.
For example:
- The University of Melbourne has an event called “Meet Melbourne” – they come to you (or a place close by) so you can talk about YOUR future at UoM.
- The University of Melbourne “Access All Areas” – for Year 12 students to get a ‘feel’ for the Uni.
- Charles Sturt University “MyDay” events—designed to showcase specific courses at CSU.
- LaTrobe Talk and Tour—do just that, talk to you as you tour the university.
- Monash “At Monash Seminar Series” showcasing different faculties at the Uni.
- Deakin “Discover Deakin” – says it all really, that word, ‘discover’!! Note 2012 dates are not yet available.
Plan your attack by visiting our calendar!
Free Bus to Veterinary Science & Hospital Open Day
Feb 15th
The University of Melbourne Veterinary Science & Hospital Open Day.
The University of Melbourne is hosting its annual Veterinary Science & Hospital Open Day. This event not only provides information about studying Veterinary Science and about other careers working with animals, but also has a number of workshops and activities which address the issue of animal welfare.
When? Sunday 25th March 2012
Where? The University of Melbourne Werribee Campus
250 Princes Highway, Werribee
What time? 10am – 3pm.
For more information about the event visit http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au/openday/
Getting there:
The University of Melbourne is providing a free bus from Shepparton to the event and back. Places on this bus are limited and must be booked.
- Departure: 7am from The Shepparton Library in Welsford Street.
- Return: Departs Werribee at 3pm, arrival in Shepparton expected around 6pm.
To book places on the bus please email Brodie Wales: brodie.wales@unimelb.edu.au
2012 – Week 3 – Career News
Feb 12th
In This Issue
- In a VET class & good @ Maths/Sci?
- Go Girl, Go for IT 2012
- Something Fishy about that!
- So you want to be a Tradie?
- Can’t decide on a career?
- Stuck on a VCE question?
In a VET class & good @ Maths/Sci?
Then it’s possible that you can apply for $3000 (Yr 12) or $2000 (Yr11) through the Defence Force Scholarship program—no obligation to join either! For Details see your Careers Advisor or check details and your eligibility at: http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/dts
Go Girl, Go for IT 2012
Calling all girls in years 8 to 11 interested in Info Tech (computers) – check out this site: gogirl.org.au and see your Careers Advisor if you like what you see. (Note: It might be possible to team up with other schools in your area!)
Something Fishy about that!
School holidays (July) can see you chatting to marine biologists, fisheries officers, dissecting fish, rambling through rock-pools and on a marine biology cruise or canoe. All of which looks fantastic on your resume! Full details at: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/mdc—look for Marine Careers Discovery Days 2012.
So, you want to be a tradie?
Rumour has it that they are hot! Well, at least according to a recent survey! How do you become a tradie? Listen to our Xtranormal clips to find out.
Clip 1
Trades – What an Employer Wants
by: ScaddenFay
What an employer wants in an apprentice
Clip 2
Trades – Helping Yourself
by: ScaddenFay
Tips and clues for things you can do at school to help get an apprenticeship
Clip 3
Finding a School Based Apprenticeship
by: ScaddenFay
Luke talks about finding an ASBA
Can’t decide on a career?
This is NORMAL. However, if it is worrying you then this is not good. You need to seek an appointment with your Careers Advisor or relevant person at your school. It is becoming more and more important to know HOW to MANAGE your career life so you can cope with the changes happening in the types of jobs available. This means understanding yourself and how you tick (try the suggestions here), knowing where to look for information when you need it (our blogs help), and using your allies or networks when you are ready (this can include your careers advisor, VCE coordinator, parents, friends and attending information sessions). Even facebook is a handy tool in your career development! Our career calendar has loads of handy career events which, if you attend, can help you make important decisions. It is regularly updated too.
Stuck on a VCE question?
A fantastic web site is available for you to ask general questions or specific questions in subject areas. Check out: http://www.vcehelp.com.au/
Hot Tips this week….
- Work Experience with the Defence Force? – Go onto their web site and explore the options.
- Other Work Experience Ideas? – Check our Work Experience Blog for other ideas.
- AT MONASH SEMINAR SERIES - Is Monash on your radar. Then you need to check the above link. Each Monash faculty runs a seminar—starts 6.30pm but you need to check the dates.
- MYDAY AT CHARLES STURT - Is Charles Sturt Uni on your radar. Then you need to check the above link and explore the MyDay activities offered by Charles Sturt
- MEET MELBOURNE IN SHEPPARTON - The University of Melbourne comes to town to talk to prospective students and their parents. 16th May @ 6.30pm —register online!
