Newsletter 8:
Timely applications are closing!!!
Careers appointments are booking out
Appointments are filling up weeks in advance so if you haven’t already spoken to Pheona about options for next year, visit the Careers Centre and write your name next to a spare time. Make sure you also write the day/time in your diary so you don’t forget your appointment. Appointments are available during periods 3-4 each day. It’s likely most Year 12 students will want to talk about VTAC. Year 11 students – it’s probably a good time to start thinking about your subject selection for next year. Usual services include resume and cover letter writing, employment assistance, apprenticeship/traineeship information, gap year activities, etc.
Don’t delay your VTAC application
Timely registration closes on September 30 (which is during the school holidays) so if you haven’t registered and applied for VTAC yet please get onto it. After this date the fee jumps from $23 to $82. Step 1 is ‘Register for a VTAC ID and PIN’. Your ID is your VCAA ID – if you forget yours check with Pheona or the lists outside the Study Support Office. Step 2 is ‘Login to MyInfo’ where you can apply for courses, lodge a SEAS application, and apply for scholarships. http://www.vtac.edu.au
SEAS/VTAC Information for students with health conditions or a disability
In collaboration with the National Disability Co-ordination Officer program, a VTAC information night will be held at Deakin University Burwood campus on Tuesday September 1. This is for parents of students with disability or long-term health conditions. Discover how to apply through VTAC for SEAS (Special Entry Access Schemes). Many universities and TAFE colleges will have representatives there to answer questions. Genuine support for students with long term medical conditions or disability at tertiary institutions is available. If you are wondering how your students will cope with TAFE or University or if you wish to learn more about SEAS or disability supports, come along to the VTAC information night. For further information, or to register your attendance please email equity@deakin.edu.au
Reminders about SEAS and Scholarships
Deadlines for SEAS and scholarship through VTAC are fast approaching. All SEAS applications and supporting documentation is due on October 9. Don’t leave it to the last minute because you may find that your doctor is too busy to provide supporting evidence!!! The scholarships deadline is a little later on October 30. Both of these applications are done via the VTAC website and will be available must payment has been made. Remember only one scholarship application makes you eligible for hundreds of scholarships.
Do you know about the extra requirements for the courses you’re applying for?
Around 50% of courses consider applicants based on range of criteria that may include the ENTER, folio, interview, pre-selection tests, additional forms, etc. The VTAC Guide lists what the extra requirements are, how you can find out more information, and what the due dates are. Many of the due dates are in the September/October school holidays so it’s important that you read the VTAC Guide now and write down all important dates in your diary. You will not considered for a course unless you have fulfilled the extra requirements.
Are you considering deferring your studies?
Deakin University has introduced a policy deferring study for up to 24 months (instead of 12). This means you can postpone your studies, but still retain your place at the University. Pretty good! Hopefully the other Universities follow suit. Centrelink will be coming in to talk about the proposed changes to benefits for students who do defer on October 15.
Swinburne TAFE Bursary
Since 2005 Swinburne TAFE has provided bursaries to more than 60 students who wish to pursue their vocational TAFE studies with them. Each bursary entitles the recipient to have their TAFE tuition fee waived for the first year of study based on merit or equity criteria. Merit bursaries are awarded on the basis of academic performance throughout your VCE and participation in community service, and the equity bursary is award on the basis of equity issues such as financial hardship and/or educational disadvantage. For more information please see Pheona in Careers.
Direct scholarship and bursary applications
Various institutions offer separate access and equity scholarships and applications must go directly to the University. For example, Victorian residents who have applied for entry into the Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne may be eligible for two bursaries for high achieving students who are financially, socially or educationally disadvantaged. Each bursary is valued at $15,000 per annum for the duration of the course. Applicants must apply for the course in their VTAC preferences, submit a SEAS application, then apply for the bursary directly to the institution. For this example, more information can be found at http://www.bcom.unimelb.edu.au/further/bursary.html
Other scholarship information
There is a 2009 database in the Careers Centre listing 400 scholarships you may wish to apply for. Please book in a time with Pheona to browse the CD and pull the relevant information.
Want to live on campus?
Universities provide limited on-campus living for local students. If you are interested in residential boarding you often have to apply very early – even as early as this November. I understand this is a hard decision to make before you even receive your ENTER or letter of offer! For more information please see Pheona.
Additional Information about VTAC
There are approximately 58,000 Round 1 offers, 7,000 Round 2 offers, and no Round 3 offers next year. There are also supplementary offers (if you didn’t get a Round 1 or 2 offer) and irregular offers (if you apply directly to the institution – out of VTAC hands). There are new/cancelled courses all the time – Courselink on the VTAC wesbite has updated info. Also, the Australasian Conference of Tertiary Admissions Centres (ACTAC), of which the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) is a member, has agreed that all states and territories (except Queensland) will use the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), during 2009 and 2010. This is a name change only. There is no change to the calculation and it will have no effect on students’ ranking or the selection process.
VTAC Key Dates
- Timely applications: Aug 3 – Sep 30 ($23 + $8 processing fee)
- Late applications: Sep 30 – Nov 13 ($82 + $8 processing fee)
- Very late applications: Nov 13 – Dec 11 ($106 + $8 processing fee)
- SEAS applications: Aug 3 – Oct 9
- Scholarship applications: Aug 3 - Oct 30
- Change of preference: Aug 3 – Oct 30; Nov 30 – Dec 21
- ENTERs released: Dec 14
- Offers: Jan 18 (round 1); Feb 8 (round 2)
Victoria University Portfolio Partnership Program
For students who have already begun their VU PPP application – it is highly recommended that you attend a session with a representative from the University on Wednesday September 16 at 1.30pm. You will be able to double check your application and get tips about how to improve it. If you don’t know what the VU PPP is… it is an alternative entry scheme available to Year 12 students whereby you may be “accepted” into VU in December, so long as your ENTER is above 50, you meet the subject prerequisites, and your portfolio is approved. Let Pheona know if you will be attending.
Exam revision classes
There are many exam revision classes run by for-profit companies. Before signing up please check with your classroom teacher. Revision classes provided by for-profit companies are advertised outside the library. Other classes run by universities and schools are advertised in the “other events for the diary” section of this newsletter.
The Australian Psychological Society Careers Night
If you have considered a career as a psychologist then you might want to attend the Australian Psychological Society careers night at the University of Melbourne on Wednesday September 16 from 6.15pm – 10pm (Prince Phillip Theatre). It will be a great opportunity to find out about specialist areas of psychology and the role psychologists play in the community. The event is free and no bookings are required. Representatives from each APS College will offer you insight into their specialist areas. For more information see Pheona in careers.
Get your RSA and/or RSF at school
Have you been thinking about getting a part-time job in the hospitality industry – like in a bar or restaurant? If so, you will need your Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITHFAB009A) and/or Responsible Service of Food certificates. RSA training is only $40, and the Responsible Service of Food is $45 for the non-accredited program or $90 for the accredited program. The sessions will run after the Year 12 exams. See Pheona to book yourself in.
Reminder: Gap year and student exchange activities
If you are interested in participating in a gap year activity or want to explore the possibility of student exchange then see Pheona in the Careers Centre for more information.
Free fashion workshops at Whitehouse
Whitehouse Institute of Design is an independent tertiary college (ITC) with a strong reputation for delivering a high standard of education in design. They are offering free workshops throughout September, October and November. There is an Interior Design Workshop on September 5 & 12, Design for Sustainability Workshop on September 21-26, Styling for the Studio & Runway Workshop on September 28-October 2 and Graduate Parade & Exhibition on November 20. For more information please call 1300 551 433.
Interested in joining the defence force?
Defence Force Recruiting will be conducting information sessions covering the various careers available in the Australian Defence Force. Current serving military personnel will present the 40-minute session. The session will run on September 2 at the Manningham Function Centre in Doncaster. Numbers are limited so if you are interested please register your interest by calling 131 901.
2010 Defence Force Technical Scholarships Program
The Defence Technical Scholarship (DTS) program is designed to raise awareness of trade opportunities in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and to provide financial support to those interested in pursuing an ADF general entry technical trade career after finishing school. The financial support goes towards completing your senior education. The scholarships are worth $2000 for Year 11 students and $3000 for Year 12 students who are doing a maths subject. For more information, see Pheona in Careers.
Do you need some help with your homework?
The Boroondara Council is running a free Homework Help Program. Sessions focus primarily on providing you with assistance in relation to assignments, essays, and other tasks set by classroom teachers. Help is provided either one-on-one or in a small group. You may attend on an as-needs basis and group numbers rise and fall according to demand; however they encourage you to attend regularly. Please contact the Hawthorn Library for more information by emailing libraryenquiries@boroondara.vic.gov.au.
Girlfriend Program
KYM are offering a 10-week program run on Fridays in Term 4 (Oct 9 – Dec 11) for any female students interested in maintaining positive interpersonal relationships and exploring issues such as self-esteem, body image, eating disorders, anger management, stress, etc. Preference will be given to students who live within the City of Knox. Cost is only $50. See Pheona in the Careers Centre for more information.
Qantas Apprenticeships
Qantas Engineering offers a variety of apprenticeships to enable people to train and become qualified tradespeople within the aircraft industry. You must have at least Year 10 with passes in maths, science and English. Several trade streams are available such as avionics, mechanical and structures. Expressions of interest and applications: http://www.careers.qantas.com.au
TAFE/University Key Dates
Most of the major Open Days occurred in August, however some of the smaller TAFE and ITC institutions still have Open Days.
Australian Catholic University
Australian College of Applied Psychology
Australian Institute of Public Safety
Australian College of Sports Therapy
Australian International Hotel School (Canberra)
Australian Maritime College
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE
Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
Box Hill Institute
Chisholm Institute
Deakin University
Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College
Endeavour College of Natural Health
Footscray City Films
Gordon Institute of TAFE
Grenadi School of Design
Holmesglen TAFE
Institute for Design, Entertainment and the Arts (IDEA)
International College of Hotel Management
International Design School
JMC Academy
La Trobe University
Monash College
Monash University
- http://www.monash.edu.au/
- September 1: Why We Are Suckers for an Unfair Deal (Dean’s Lecture Series – Law)
- September 8: Parent Information Evening
- September 8: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences information evening
- September 10: Engineering Information Evening
- ‘Experience Monash’
- September 29: Peninsula
- September 30: Berwick
NMIT
- http://www.nmit.vic.edu.au/
- OPEN DAY: September 1 (Preston); September 6 (Epping)
- September 11: Performing arts campus tour
- September 12: Design, drafting and interior fittings information session
- September 17: Visual Arts department information session
Oceania Polytechnic
Ozford
Photographic Image College
Photographic Studies College
Pivot Point International Academy
Qantm College
RMIT University/TAFE
- http://www.rmit.edu.au
- September 5: Public Relations careers day
- September 25: Mechatronics day (Bundoora)
- November 11: Parent information evening (Bundoora)
SAE Institute
South West Institute of TAFE
Southern School of Natural Therapies
Sunraysia TAFE
Swinburne University of Technology
- http://www.swinburne.edu.au
- September 2: Parents information evening (Hawthorn)
- September 16: Parents information evening (Lilydale)
- September 18: Double degree in Design/Business info session
- September 21: Communication Design info session
- September 22: Industrial Design info session
- September 23: Interior Design info session
- September 23-25: Siemens Science Experience (Hawthorn)
- September 24: Multimedia Design info session
- September 25: Film and Television info session
- September 26: Swinburne walk and talk (Hawthorn, Lilydale, Prahran)
- December 16: Change of preference expo (Hawthorn, Lilydale, Prahran)
University of Ballarat
University of Melbourne
University of Tasmania
Victoria University/TAFE
- http://www.vu.edu.au/
- September 13: Creative industries expo (City Flinders campus)
- September 13: Animal, community and tourism services expo (Werribee expo)
- October 18: Beauty therapy, make-up, modelling and hairdressing expo (City King campus)
- October 24: Engineering, electrotechnology, industrial skills, plumbing, signwriting expo (Sunshine campus)
- November 7: Construction industries expo (Newport campus)
William Angliss Institute
Wodonga Institute of TAFE
Other events for the diary
What: A Focus on Orthoptics at The Eye & Ear Hospital
When: September 4
Where: Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne
How much: free
Other: Orthoptics work in special eye clinics and monitor eye disease using highly specialised skills and equipment, and assist in providing treatment and rehabilitation of patents with vision impairment and eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
More: More info on p. 29 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by July 17.
What: Freight Week
When: September 7-11
Where: TBC
How much: free
Other: Jacinta Allan, Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Minister for SKils and Workforce Participation, will present on the new training approach in Victoria and open the morning session covering careers incentives in the T&L industry and the resources available.
More: https://promo-manager.server-secure.com/ch/fbstmj/240946/a59f8bfwt.html
What: Biotech and Beyond: Future Careers in Science
When: September 8 (6.30 – 9pm)
Where: Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring St, Melbourne
How much: free
Other: Targeted at parents of young people considering a career in science. Cocktails and canapés. Smart casual. A panel of influential scientists will discuss their career journeys, the future career opportunities for scientists in Australia and how students can gain the relevant experiences and qualifications to pursue a scientific career. The evening will give you an opportunity to meet and mingle with the guest speakers, parents, careers staff, University and TAFE providers and enjoy beautiful cocktails and canapés in gorgeous art-deco surroundings.
More: Places are limited. IMVC RSVP to Pheona.
What: Aviation industry tour
When: September 8
Where: Swinburne University
How much: Free
Other: Swinburne Aviation is hosting behind-the-scenes tours to highlight the many and varied opportunities available to students interested in the aviation industry. The tour includes a visit to Melbourne Airport, Virgin Blue Flight Crew Base, Qantas Simulator Centre and stopover at Swinburne’s flying training school, Oxford Aviation Academy. The sessions are open to one careers adviser with up to two students. We will be travelling with others in a chartered bus. Lunch is provided (but BYO water and mid-morning snack).
More: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/aviation
What: Human Physiology: Living in Space
When: September 11
Where: Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)
How much: free
Other: This short day program offers students a hands on introduction to the science of human physiology. Students will measure their own physical parameters, including height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate etc and then undertake further investigation of cardio-vascular fitness, metabolic rate, and blood and urine analysis.
More: More info on p. 20 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by August 14.
What: Bakery Trial-a-Trade
When: September 11
Where: William Angliss
How much: free
Other: Interested in a trade but not sure which one? This program gives you an opportunity to try various trades for a day.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 14.
What: Auto Electrics Trial-a-Trade
When: September 15
Where: location confirmed upon registration
How much: free
Other: Interested in a trade but not sure which one? This program gives you an opportunity to try various trades for a day.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 14.
What: Hospitality (Front of House) Trial-a-Trade
When: September 15
Where: Holmesglen
How much: free
Other: Not sure what you want to do when you leave school? Something creative and fun? Something interactive and where you deal with people? This is a great opportunity for you. This hands-on program gives you an opportunity so try various jobs and learn more about the different industries.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 21.
What: IELLEN Youth Pathways Forum
When: September 15
Where: tbc
How much: tbc
Other: tbc
More: tbc
What: Printing (Graphic Design) Trial-a-Trade
When: September 16
Where: location confirmed upon registration
How much: free
Other: Interested in a trade but not sure which one? This program gives you an opportunity to try various trades for a day.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 14.
What: Textiles (Fashion) Trial-a-Trade
When: September 16
Where: RMIT
How much: free
Other: Not sure what you want to do when you leave school? Something creative and fun? Something interactive and where you deal with people? This is a great opportunity for you. This hands-on program gives you an opportunity so try various jobs and learn more about the different industries.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 21.
What: Horticulture / Landscaping Trial-a-Trade
When: September 17
Where: Holmesglen
How much: free
Other: Interested in a trade but not sure which one? This program gives you an opportunity to try various trades for a day.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 14.
What: Beauty Therapy Trial-a-Trade
When: September 17
Where: provided upon registration
How much: free
Other: Not sure what you want to do when you leave school? Something creative and fun? Something interactive and where you deal with people? This is a great opportunity for you. This hands-on program gives you an opportunity so try various jobs and learn more about the different industries.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 21.
What: Austin Health Information/Demonstration Evening
When: September 17 (6.15 – 8pm)
Where: Education Precinct, Level 4, Austin Tower, Studley Park Rd, Heidelberg
How much: free
Other: Find out information about the occupational therapy industry as a healthcare profession offering skills and advice aiming to increase a person’s safety, independence and quality of life.
More: RSVP by September 14 – call Loretta Hanson on 9490 5105
What: Marine Science Careers Day
When: September 17; November 30 (9.30am – 3pm)
Where: Melbourne Aquarium
How much: $35
Other: For secondary students to discover a range of careers in the field of marine science. You also have the opportunity to hear about everyday experiences from professionals in the field. Speakers are selected from various fields including animal husbandry, wildlife conservation, veterinary sciences and research in marine science.
More: Bookings are essential – http://www.melbourneacquarium.com.au/education.aspx
What: Community Services Course Expo
When: September 18 (12 – 3pm)
Where: Centra @ Hemisphere (Holmesglen TAFE, Moorabbin)
How much: free
Other: Investigate courses and careers in alcohol and other drugs, children’s services, community services, justice, mental health, welfare, youth work, etc.
More: Call Rhonda Hadley (9209 5803) or Dan Tiomkin (9209 5652)
What: Floristry Trial-a-Trade
When: September 18 (half-a-day)
Where: provided upon registration
How much: free
Other: Not sure what you want to do when you leave school? Something creative and fun? Something interactive and where you deal with people? This is a great opportunity for you. This hands-on program gives you an opportunity so try various jobs and learn more about the different industries.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by August 21.
What: Aquarist for a Day
When: One day between September 21 – October 2 (8.30am – 3.30pm)
Where: Melbourne Aquarium
How much: $70
Other: For secondary students interested in a career in marine science. Providing unique opportunities to experience life as an aquarist at Melbourne Aquarium, this day-long program includes basic training in aquatic animal husbandry, food preparation and animal feeding. You can also discuss further study and career path options with qualified marine scientists and animal husbandry experts.
More: Bookings are essential – http://www.melbourneacquarium.com.au/education.aspx
What: Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine information session
When: September 25 (12.30pm-4pm)
Where: VIFM Lecture Theatre, Coronial Services Centre, 57-63 Kavanagh St, Southbank
How much: free
Other: Insights into various career options in forensic sciences. Registration essential. More info on p. 21 of IMVC guide.
More: http://www.vifm.org
What: Mechatroncis Day
When: September 25
Where: RMIT (Bundoora)
How much: free (lunch provided)
Other: Experience cutting edge mechatronics technology. You’ll experience temperature control experiments, robotino wireless programs, Mitsubishi Robot pick and place, and SAGE Industry demonstration of Targeted Technology Introduction Modules.
More: http://www.rmit.edu.au/aero-mech
What: Folio preparation course for Fashion
When: September 28-October 3 (9am-5pm)
Where: Kangan Batman TAFE (Richmond campus)
How much: $450
Other: For those interested in enhancing their fashion folio
More: Select ‘Fashion and Millinery’ on http://kangan.edu.au/courses/short-courses/
What: Careers in Medical Research
When: October
Where: Baker IDI and the Nucleus Network
How much: free
Other: Baker IDI: Each group will participate in 2 x 1 hour and 15 minute workshops where they listen to the Laboratory Head discuss the lab’s research and aims and then participate in a mini experiment. The Nucleus Network: Student will be given a complementary session about clinical research with an emphasis on the conduct of clinical trials.
More: More info on p. 31 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by September 4.
What: Health and Human Development Revision Lecture
When: October 1
Where: Deakin University (Warrnambool)
How much: TBC
Other: preparation for end-of-year examination
More: TBC
What: Careers in Event Management and Conference
When: October 14
Where: Box Hill TAFE, Elgar Campus and Federation Square
How much: free
Other: Listen to leading event management industry professionals, be inspired b the innovative ideas used to create unique events, learn about job opportunities in the events industry and talk to graduates now working in the field, and update your industry knowledge by viewing a range of venues on display.
More: More info on p. 10 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by September 2.
What: Monash University Enhancement Studies Program
When: October 14 (7 – 8.30pm)
Where: Monash University, South One Lecture Theatre (Building 64), Clayton campus
How much: free
Other: Monash offers an Enhancement Studies Program for high achieving student who wish to undertake a first-year university subject as part of their VCE. The information evening includes an overview of the Enhancement Studies Program and the opportunity to speak to a representative from each Enhancement Studies subject.
More: http://www.monash.edu.au/study/enhancement
What: Human Physiology: Living in Space
When: October 16
Where: Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)
How much: free
Other: This short day program offers students a hands on introduction to the science of human physiology. Students will measure their own physical parameters, including height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate etc and then undertake further investigation of cardio-vascular fitness, metabolic rate, and blood and urine analysis.
More: More info on p. 20 of the IMVC guide. RSVP to Pheona by September 4.
What: Beauty Therapy Trial-A-Trade
When: October 16 & 30
Where: Headmasters
How much: free
Other: For those interested in perusing a career in the beauty industry.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by September 4 & 15.
What: IT Applications Exam Preparation Day
When: October 20 (5.30pm-7pm)
Where: Swinburne University
How much: TBC
Other: to help prepare for the end-of-year examination
More: TBC
What: Software Development Exams Preparation Day
When: October 22 (5.30pm-7pm)
Where: Swinburne University
How much: free
Other: TBC
More: TBC
What: Furnishing Trades
When: November (tbc)
Where: Holmesglen TAFE
How much: free
Other: The three-day Furnishing Trial-A-Trade program is conducted one day per week over three weeks. Student workshops will cover cabinet making, furniture polishing and upholstery.
More: IMVC RSVP to Pheona by October 2.
What: IT Applications Year 11 High Achievers day
When: December 4 (10am-3pm)
Where: Swinburne University
How much: TBC
Other: TBC
More: TBC
What: Melbourne Youth Music Summer School 2010
When: January 13-15 (Prelude); January 18-23 (Main Program)
Where: Melbourne Town Hall
How much: varies
Other: Includes music theatre groups, orchestras, vocal workshops, stage bands, string groups, symphonic bands, theory, VCE performance preparation, African drumming, improvisation, composition, master-classes and more.
More: http://www.mym.org.au.
What: The Age VCE and Careers Expo 2010
When: April 23-25
Where: Caulfield Racecourse
How much: $10
Other: Australia’s biggest education and careers event – the only Expo featuring all Australia’s major tertiary institutions. The expo features over 150 exhibitors, seminars on VCE subjects, tertiary courses, career and study advice.
More: http://www.vceandcareers.com.au
