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.
And here is a podcast to explain this blog a little further..
Study Assistance for Uni/TAFE
Jan 22nd
This very useful link (studyassist) - opens in new window – provides a ‘one stop shop’ about Australian Government Assistance to help you finance tertiary studies at university, TAFE or through other approved education providers.
Don’t need this site just now? Save it as a favourite for the future!
Don’t need this information at all? You may not, but one of your friends might! Network your find.
Jetstar – Pilot Cadetship
Dec 21st
The Application closing date for Jetstar Pilot Cadetships (opens in new window) have been extended to 23rd December. You can also increase your chances of blitzing the selection entry test by exploring pilot aptitude training and, if interested, registering your interest.
Attention Yea / Murrundindi residents…
Dec 20th
Your local hospital has just announced a new scholarship for your career in health and wellbeing. Worth $5000 this scholarship will ease the burden of the cost of higher education.
All details at www.yeahospital.org.au/scholarship or email scholarship@humehealth.org.au.
Don’t forget to share this info if you know somebody it would suit!
Studying Biology in 2012?
Dec 20th
Here is a exciting local opportunity if you are! ‘Get Into Genes’ is an interactive biotechnology program that highlights the latest technologies and techniques used in molecular plant and animal breeding programs.
Murray Dairy and the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) are pleased to host 2 exciting workshops for young people attending International Dairy Week, Australia’s premier dairy event held at Tatura.
Here’s some more info…
- The workshops are titled ‘Get Into Genes’ and will be on Tuesday 17 January 2012 at the Ballantyne Centre, Tatura, with workshop 1 at 12 to 1pm and workshop 2 between 3.30 and 4.30 pm.
- If you are starting Years 11 and 12 you can get a head start with your studies.
- Other young people can gain a greater understanding of genetics, biotechnology and roles these play in modern farming.
- Get into Genes has been developed especially for secondary school students.
- Each workshop links with VELS, VCE and the Australian Curriculum. It is the perfect complement to Unit 4 of the VCE Biology Study Design where follow-up assessment materials can be used as a School – Assessed Coursework task.
- Young people do not have to be involved with International Dairy Week to attend these workshops.
- To register Expressions of Interest in attending please contact Neil Aird on 0437 855 475 at the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia, Shepparton.
- More information can be found at www.getintogenes.com.au Get into Genes is a collaboration between Dairy Futures CRC and the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics.
ATAR Results due Tomorrow
Dec 15th
Good luck with your results. If you are planning on going to Uni and your ATAR score isn’t quite what you expected (higher or lower!) just remember there are many different ways to get to your destination. And Change of Preference day’s can help you decide which way is best for you…. The University of Melbourne YouTube Clip explains change of preference very nicely! The advice supplied in this clip can be applied to all other universities during the change of preference period.
For quick links to all change of preference web pages visit our VCE Blog
2011 – Week 39 – Career News
Dec 7th
CHANGE OF PREFERENCE
VCE Results Due: 16th December
The University of Melbourne YouTube Clip explains change of preference very nicely! The advice supplied in this clip can be applied to all other universities during the change of preference period. http://youtu.be/9SQxsEzMsV4
For quick links to all change of preference web pages visit our VCE Blog.
SWINBURNE’S ATAR CALC & COURSE SEARCH APP:
This is FREE to download onto Apple/ Android phone and tablet platforms. Search for Swinburne in the Apple App Store or Android Marketplace or go to: www.future.swinburne.edu.au/atar
NANNA HOOKS UP WITH SENSITIVE NEW AGE ROBOT
La Trobe University recently welcomed two new communication robots to its family.
The robots can read human emotions by analysing facial features and body language.
They will be used to help elderly members of society remain independent and connected with their friends and the community.
How can YOU be involved in projects like this? A number of different professionals work collaboratively. An Electrical Engineer, Psychologist and a Communication Robotics Engineer worked on this project (to name a few!) So opportunities are there!
CALENDAR
Our Calendar of events has some interesting school holiday activities listed—you just need to follow the links to explore further.
There are also some scholarships listed on the calendar, not by due date but on a Sunday when you may have more time to explore them. Look for this symbol. 
JOB SEARCHING?
Don’t forget our Job blog has great tips, clues and FREE letters and resume samples to use. If you get stuck with your resume you can watch the 11 one minute clips—they will certainly set you on the right path to a killer school leaver resume!
Helpful links are supplied to various job agencies and larger organisations locally and further afield.
Vacancies… a reminder
Dec 2nd
The Apprenticeship Factory has a number of vacancies on their books, rumour has it that the business traineeship in Shep is a little ripper… a snapshot of their web site is provided below… visit their website (opens in new window) to find out more. Our JOB BLOG also has helpful job related links.
Vacancy – Accounting Cadetship – Cobram
Dec 2nd
Great local opportunity if you are looking for a career in Accounting… if accounting isn’t your thing… perhaps you have a friend who this job would suit, if so, share this information with them! See below…
Email application to: lx@xerrievans.com.au
2011 – Week 38 – Career News
Nov 28th
This week we look at change of preference, LaTrobe’s alternative pathways for rural students, youth allowance changes, Deakin newsletter for parents and Photography and Design courses at Brighton Bay… plus Molecular biology…
Change of Preference
Fingers are crossed that you get the results you need to get into the course of your dreams! That way you won’t have to consider the change of preference activities offered by most universities and listed on our blog. Planning for different outcomes is a wise move however, and we recommend you spend a few minutes exploring the change of preference activities.
If you are a young person from a migrant, refugee or asylum seeker background….
and keen to learn leadership, media and radio broadcasting skills then Next Generation Media can help! A Summer School (16 -30 January 2012) will give you the skills to (possibly) broadcast on SYN Media. Find out more at an information session on Thursday 8 December 2011 at the Centre for Multicultural Youth – Carlton. Applications can be made online www.cmy.net.au/NextGenerationMedia
LaTrobe have some alternative pathways for Regional Students.
- Diploma of Health – Only available at Bendigo
- Read more about the Diploma of Health.
- Diploma of Arts – Available at all regional campuses.
- Read more about the Diploma of Arts.
- Diploma of Business – Available at all regional campuses.
- Read more about the Diploma of Business.
Apply directly to the relevant campus using an undergraduate form.
Find the form online. Applications close end of January 2012.
Youth Allowance…
Great news for inner regional families if your parents combined income is less than $150,000 – Commencing 1st January 2012
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/change_independence.htm
From 1 January 2012 the age of independence[3] for Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY will be lowered to 22 years of age. Students from Inner Regional Australia will be able to access the self-supporting independence conditions that applied only to students from Outer Regional Australia, Remote Australia and Very Remote Australia between 1 January and 31 December 2011.
This will allow higher education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) students from Inner Regional Australia to be considered independent for Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY if:
- they are a full-time student, and
- they are required to live away from home to study, and
- they have combined parental income of less than $150,000, and
- they have either:
- worked part-time (at least 15 hours each week) for two years since last leaving secondary school, or
- earned at least 75 per cent of Wage Level A of the National Training Wage Award[4] included in a modern award in 18 months since last leaving secondary school.
Students can find out which area their family home is in by using the Student Regional Area Search Service.
PHOTOGRAPHY, VISUAL ARTS, CONTEMPORARY CRAFT OR DESIGN IN 2012?
The Brighton Bay Art, Design and Photography Program is accepting applications for interviews for the 2012 intake. Apply online at www.brightonbay.net. You can study at Certificate IV level in either Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft or Design. Email: brightonbay@edumail.vic.gov.au phone 03 9531 9566
Deakin University newsletter for parents
Follow the link: www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/parents
Molecular Biology
www.latrobe.edu.au/lims/about/architectural-design-concept
2011 – Week 37 – Career News
Nov 20th
One of the BEST skills to have in your Career life is to NETWORK. Cast your eye over this weeks career news, the articles may not interest you, but you may know somebody else who likes Motorsports or who wants to work with youth (for example) …… share the information… this is networking… and networking can help shape your (or their) future….
YEAR 12
U & Networking?
We are talking IT here not fb! The Melbourne Institute of Technology (central city location) offers degrees in Business and Networking. As well as pathways into uni via 8 month diplomas. Explore www.MIT.edu.au to find out more.
R U Koorie?
Want to train as a Health Worker or an Admin Officer and can get to Barmah every day? For full details visit http://www.foxpersonnel.com.au/ or call Michael Gledhill on 03 58316656.
U & Motor Sports?
Luckily you don’t have to travel far to study Motorsports! Students who study at Wodonga (with Motorsport Training Australia) are able to gain jobs with premier racing teams throughout Australia! Go to http://www.mta.wodongatafe.edu.au/ to find out more!
YEAR 10&11+
R U Serious about VCE?
Don’t forget “Summer School” lectures can give you a head start for 2012! A number of companies run lecture programs—check them out on our VCE Blog—or pick up brochures from your VCE / Careers room! http://sheppartonvce.edublogs.org/revision-programs/
U & Working with Youth?
You can study to be a Youth Worker (although I personally think that you can also have a positive impact on young people by becoming a Careers Advisor!) by studying (for example) at RMIT University in a Cert IV, Diploma or Bachelor degree. (www.rmit.edu.au/youthwork). OR study locally at GOTAFE (http://www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/courses/) and type in “Youth” in the search box.
U & Animals?
Keeper for a Day program at Healesville and Werribee will be on again in January 2012!
Keeper for a Day is a fun hands-on day that provides an insight to the role of a Zoo Keeper.
Healesville Sanctuary
- Years 7/8: 17th & 24th
- Years 9-12: 18th & 25th
- Time: 9.30am – 3.30 pm
Werribee Open Range Zoo
- 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd or 24th
- Time: 9.30am to 4.00pm
- Age: (13-18 years)
More information: http://www.zoo.org.au/Learning/Camps-Holidays
Year 9 ONLY
SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 January 2012
- For: Current Year 9 students
The Science Experience is three fun-filled days of hands-on activities and pracs for students entering Year 10 in 2012. Budding scientists are invited to go behind the scenes to undertake hands-on experiments in forensic chemistry, Chinese medicine, medical sciences and sports statistics. Interactive activities in ice-cream science and human anatomy will provide students with an invaluable opportunity to mix with experts and investigate a career path in science. For further information and to register please visit RMIT www.rmit.edu.au/scienceexperience
Contact: Sarah Morley: Tel. 03 9925 9570 Email: sarah.morley@rmit.edu.auYear
Year 7 to 9+ – Puzzle Time
Employers want you to ‘be’ or ‘do’ the following…
Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy to the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number. Created via http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
U & Uni & $5000!
Nov 20th
Elmore Charity Ball Committee Inc are offering a $5000 Rural Scholarship to a student commencing 1st year studies in agriculture during 2012! Email for further info.
U & Engineering in a BIG way!
Nov 16th
Want to be an Engineering Apprentice and work on some amazing machinery? The Hofmann Engineering plant (Bendigo) and Metaltec (Bay Road Cheltenham) are seeking switched on rural students with practical skills (mechanical, farming, welding etc) to join their team in 2012.
Here’s a little bit about each place…..
Bendigo
A heavy Engineering plant – it is huge and has the most amazing machinery to work on (large metal jobs for the mining industry, wind farms and Defence department). Family owned business with headquarters in Perth. Jobs come from the Eastern States, SA and TAS.
They need 2 apprentices (2012 start) in Certificate 3 in Engineering Mechanical Trade (previously Fitter & Turner trade).
- Yr 11 or 12 preferred with a maths subject pass, practical skills and a passion for a trade in mechanical (engineering / automotive / plumbing are ideal).
They also need a couple of apprentices in Certificate 3 in Engineering – Fabrication (Welder)
- Yr 11 or 12 preferred but if someone has Yr 10 and good practical hands on skills then throw your hat into the ring (in other words, apply!).
If you are shortlisted for the position, you will need to pass an Aptitude test of Mechanical Reasoning, Problem Solving and Maths which is a standard test used by many companies in this field.
Cheltenham
Specialises in precision engineering including Aerospace tooling. It will be a reasonably clean environment with some exciting machinery to operate as you learn the trade under the supervision of skilled trades people.
- They are seeking 3 Apprentices in Certificate 3 in Engineering (Mechanical).
Interested?
Resumes can be forwarded, attention to Peter Trewhella, at bendigo@megt.com.au Questions? 0352218862
Before writing your resume explore the web page http://www.hofmann.net.au/index.php
Need help with your resume? Check out our job blog (opens in new window).
If this isn’t for you, but you have a friend who you think it might suit… share the information with them!
2011 – Week 36 – Career News
Nov 13th
Your career journey ahead may be a bit of a puzzle, but spending a little of your time each week actively exploring and considering your options will keep you in the drivers seat..
YEAR 12
Well done 2011 Year 12s on your final year of Secondary Education. The hard work is over (almost), only 10 more days of exams and they will be done and dusted, and then maybe schoolies (or equivalent). …..Then what?
- University? Are you keeping your fingers crossed to get the results you need for Uni? Have you paid for your VTAC application— if you don’t pay, then your documents won’t end up with the selectors! Check your MyInfo portal on (VTAC) if you are unsure.
- Change of Preference: Are you aware of the COP activities being organised by your preferred uni?
- Are you job seeking? If you are, then take advantage of the Jobs and Skills expo at the Shepparton Sports Stadium on Friday 25th November (10am to 3pm). Networking is an essential skill to have when you are job seeking, and you will have, at your finger tips, a captive audience of employers and people who can help.
- Uncertain? Try the Summer Hospitality School at GO TAFE, starts 21st November and you can learn things like making coffee, serving alcohol, handling food and all the essential skills needed for a job (part or full time) in the busy Hospitality industry. Great for gap year students. All our gap year ideas can be found at our VCE blog.
- Don’t forget jobs are often advertised on our blog. Like Car33rs on facebook to keep in the loop.
- TAFE? Check the courses available locally at our GOTAFE campuses. There are some great gap year courses, for example you can learn to be a roadie at the Benalla campus! Search for “Live Production”! You can also complete a 6 month ‘pre-apprenticeship’ course, but you will need to register for next year NOW so you don’t miss out!
- Perhaps you now have time to look for $$$$ or I like to call it Scholarship scavenging? Try our leads (opens in new window).
YEAR 10 & 11+
New book: So You Want to be a Doctor? by Kerry Breen is written specifically for young Australian students wishing to study medicine at an Australian University. The book is very comprehensive and has all the information you need to know to select the right course for you, the application process to starting and getting through your degree. To order the book, go to http://shop.acer.edu.au
Year 7 to 9+ – Volunteering
KOORIE NEWS
Stacks of cash (scholarship money) for Koorie students enrolling at a Melbourne university in 2012. Find out more at www.balwynrotary.org.au (scroll down and click on Aboriginal Scholarships on the right). Don’t put it off, applications close very soon!
Painting apprenticeship…. Apprentice Painter (word document) or contact your Careers Advisor at school.
School based apprenticeships are also available for VCE/VCAL Koorie students, see your Careers Advisor or relevant representative at school to find out more.
2011 – Week 35 – Career News
Nov 7th
YEAR 12
Not sure what job your degree can lead you to? Here’s a handy tool from Swinburne http://swinburne.edu.au/corporate/careers/What_can_I_do_with.html
At the moment at Swinburne you can participate in a study course called ‘transition skills for university success’ – not relevant for current Year ‘12s but you may have a friend who completed Year 12 some time ago and has been talking about going to Uni but keeps putting off enrolling. Great for parents too who may be considering a jump into University studies. You will need to complete an expression of interest form (email Dianne: dekelly@swin.edu.au). Hurry though, if you enrol now there is no cost, if you leave it till 2012 there will be a fee charged. This course can be done on-line.
Pathways…. What is an ‘associate degree’? An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate degree that is typically equivalent to the first one and a half years of a Bachelor Degree, plus six months of TAFE studies. The entry requirements for an association degree are a little more relaxed than the equivalent bachelor degree, with the ATAR range being lower. Check out the website of your preferred uni to see if they have associate degrees. Swinburne’s page is http://www.future.swinburne.edu.au/courses/
YEAR 11+
Like ‘Car33rs’ on facebook. That way you will keep up to date with career information— jobs, helpful tips, clues and ideas for your future.
YEAR 10+
Here’s a great opportunity if you are toying with the idea of Architecture & Design as a career. Attend a summer school, hosted by the University of Melbourne. The dates are from the 12th to 15th December. Bursaries (dollars) are available to students who may struggle to fund this activity. Accommodation is provided at Trinity College (on the grounds of the university). Full details are available at www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/summer. There are restrictions, so check the link carefully. Applications close 25th November. Open to students from Year 10 to 12.
Year 7 to 9+ – Photography
Do you enjoy taking photographs, is it something you may be considering as a career?
If it is an interest, what can you do NOW to help you sort out if this is EXACTLY what you want to do?
Here’s our hot tips:
- Attend photographic exhibits whenever you can, this will help you build up ideas and be inspired.
- Enter your photographs in competitions.
- Keep a portfolio of your best stuff.
- Try photography classes.
- Nag your Art teacher/s for tips and clues.
- Watch Chris McGrath talk about his job as a sports photographer… http://www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs/cooljobs/profiles/s1406183.htm
Local Photography Competition…
Photography Competition hosted by 'The Bridge'
Topic: Life in the GV as a Young Person
Entries close: 25th November. For full details see your Careers Advisor. Prizes are up for grabs
2012 CAREER NEWSLETTERS
The A4 newsletter will undertake a make-over in readiness for 2012. Your feedback and ideas on how this should look is very welcome.
- What do you want to see in this newsletter?
- What will make it more appealing to read?
NEW CAR33R CALENDAR
The Car33r Calendar on our blog has been revamped and it is much easier to use. Take a few minutes of your time to explore this great tool. Scroll down to find a mini version in the right column. For a full view click on the ‘Event Calendar’ tab along the top.
