New face in Careers
Hi, my name is Pheona Donohoe and I am the new Careers/Pathways Advisor at SSSC. See newsletter number 1 for more information.
Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs) Appointments
By now all Year 11 and VCAL students should have completed their MIPs questionnaire and scheduled an appointment to come see me in the Careers office located in the library. If you have not completed a questionnaire or scheduled an appointment can you please do this as soon as you can. Appointment schedule sheets are posted on the noticeboard outside of my office. I am available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during periods 3&4.
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
VTAC acts on behalf of participating universities, TAFE institutions and Independent Tertiary Colleges (ITC) in processing applications and offer letters. Some Year 12 students are very keen to discuss tertiary course selection and pre-requisites as outlined in the VTAC Guide. The VTAC Guide for tertiary courses beginning in 2010 does not get released late July. You will be able to purchase a copy from your newsagent at this time for $15. Until that time, previously published course information should be considered out-of-date.
I do encourage you to visit the VTAC website to browse the CourseSearch section to investigate course options as a guide only http://www.vtac.edu.au/courses/searchcourse.html There is also a copy of the VICTER 2010 guide in the Careers office which lists course pre-requisites as a general guide for current Year 12 students until the VTAC Guide 2010 is released. Please note that the inclusion of course information in VICTER 2010 does not guarantee that the course will be available in 2010, the course will be available at the published campus, or the course name will remain the same. You must wait for the VTAC Guide 2010 for this information. After the VTAC guide is published, course changes will be available via :http://www.vtac.edu.au/courses/coursechanges.html
Other VTAC publications such as ABC of Applying, Choice, ABC of Scaling, ABC of Offers and SEAS Booklet are available at http://www.vtac.edu.au/
Key VTAC dates:
July: SEAS Booklets available
Fri 24 July: VTAC Guide 2010 released
Mon 3 Aug: Applications open
Wed 30 Sep: Timely applications close
Fri 13 Nov: Late applications close
Fri 27 Nov: Early round offers
Fri 11 Dec: Very late applications close
Extra Requirements: STAT/DULSAT/UMAT/Folio
University and TAFE institutions are increasingly requiring VTAC applicants to submit extra requirements directly to them (and not to VTAC). Common extra requirements include the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), Deakin University Law School Admissions Test (DULSAT – current Year 12 students exempt), UMAT (see below), and folios, design exercises and interviews for visual-based courses. Information regarding extra requirements will be available throughout the year. Students aiming to apply for visual-based courses are encouraged to develop their folio progressively throughout at the year to avoid end-of-year stress. Teachers of these subjects have been given Folio Preparation and Career Discovery Course material from RMIT University so please contact them for more information or visit :http://www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au Other test preparation material—such as becoming a pilot—is available in the Careers office.
UMAT
UMAT is an aptitude test used specifically to assist with the selection of students into the medicine, dentistry and health science degree programs at undergraduate level at the universities listed on the UMAT website. Prospective applicants to graduate-entry programs in medicine or dentistry must take the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). Candidates registering for UMAT2009 should have already completed, or plan to COMPLETE their final year of secondary schooling in 2009 (ie Year 12 in Australia). Students whose current educational level is Australian Year 11 or lower are NOT eligible to take UMAT. This includes Year 11 students undertaking one or more Year 12 subjects. Registrations for UMAT2009 will open in April 2009. For more information please visit me and/or http://umatweb.acer.edu.au/
PLEASE NOTE: Many companies offer UMAT preparation courses. These courses can cost hundreds of dollars. Please be very careful if signing up for one and research different options before committing.
Scholarships
Access and Equity Scholarships are for students experiencing financial difficulty with the costs of living and studying. These financial difficulties arise from having limited income to support full time study or having to incur significant expenses to attend university, for example moving home. Access and Equity scholarships include Commonwealth Scholarships which are funded by the Australian government and have minimum eligibility requirements that all institutions must abide by and institutional scholarships which are funded and governed by individual institutions. For more information please visit http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
Institutional Merit Scholarships awarded to high achieving students. They are funded and governed by individual institutions. For further details and eligibility requirements for these scholarships refer to each institution’s website.
For more information please visit http://www.vtac.edu.au/scholarships.html
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)
SEAS allows VTAC applicants to describe specific circumstances which have adversely affected their education. The information submitted on the SEAS application will be considered by course selection authorities at participating institutions when ranking applicants for selection to tertiary courses. Being eligible to apply for SEAS does not guarantee you an offer. SEAS Booklets will be available in July.
Access and Equity is open to applicants whose education has been affected by long-term disadvantage such as non-English speaking background, recognition as an Indigenous Australian, difficult family circumstances, disadvantaged socio-economic background, applicants from rural or isolated areas, women in non-traditional courses, personal disability or long-term medical condition, and refugee status.
Year 11/12 Special Consideration is aimed at assisting those current Year 12 students who have experienced circumstances that can be demonstrated to have had an adverse impact on their performance in the final two years of secondary school. The following are the circumstances which may be considered under this scheme: health of a family member; personal health or trauma; death of a close family member or friend; divorce or separation of parents; adverse living conditions; excessive family responsibility; natural disaster; and refugee status.
Evidence is required to support all submissions.
For more information please visit http://www.vtac.edu.au/seas.html.
How do I choose a career?
Think about what you enjoy doing; what you are good at; what school subjects you enjoy most; what you value most; what interests you. Considering these things will give you valuable clues as to careers that will suit you. For example, do you like science, art, English, business or technology subjects? Is helping others important? Do you like being indoors/outdoors? Are you good with your hands? What sort of jobs did you enjoy as a younger child? Spend time using the Job Guide (available in the Careers office) researching jobs that fit with your interests/abilities. Remember, you are not choosing a job for life. Think in terms of the next few years only. Technology is rapidly changing various aspects of the job world, and we can’t anticipate what we might e doing in 10 or 15 years time.
There is also an online support service called CAREERSAdvice assisting senior level students find direction through online testing/counselling. It provides ongoing support to help you to meet goals and launch your career. For more information please visit http://www.careersadvice.com.au
Coffee School
If you are interested in becoming a barista so you can work part-time while studying next year, drop by the Careers office for information on Barista and Coffee Art short courses. For more information please visit http://www.coffeeschool.com.au
Are you an International student?
The definition of an International student varies for secondary school and tertiary institutions. VTAC provides the following definition, as outlined by the Commonwealth Government:
A current Victorian VCE, VCAL or Victorian IB student who:
- Does not have either Australian or New Zealand Citizenship and has not been granted Permanent Residence status in Australia at the time they are attempting Year 12 students in Victoria.
- Does not hold an Australian permanent visa (including refugees and asylum seekers waiting for permanent residence visa).
You may be interested in International Education Week beginning on Match 1. A calendar of events is available on the ‘Study Melbourne’ Victoria website located at http://www.studymelbourne.com.au
Exchange Programs
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is arranged by Rotary clubs for Year 11 students to experience a year of education overseas, in a wide range of counties. If you are interested please check out the “Gap year, overseas exchange and volunteering” noticeboard or pick up a pamphlet in the Careers office. Preliminary applications close on March 31. Information for families wanting to become a host family is also available. For more information please visit http://rotaryexchange.org.au
Another exchange organisation to check it is Education First. Over the past 42 years EF has helped more than 100,000 students spend up to six months or a year experiencing life and school in another culture. EF are running information sessions in Box Hill and Carlton. For more information please visit http://ef.com/highschool
You may also check out Southern Cross Cultural Exchange via http://www.scce.com.au
Gap Year Activities
Are you thinking about doing a gap year activity in the USA? If so, check out the Cultural Care Au Pair poster on the “Gap year, overseas exchange and volunteering” noticeboard or pick up a pamphlet in the Careers office. For more information please visit http://www.culturalcare.com.au
Lattitude Global Volunteering (formally Gap Activity Projects) is a not-for-profit organisation supporting international volunteering for 17-25 year olds. Volunteer programs run in The Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia and the Pacific including Outdoor Education, Community, Education and Environment. Applications close on Wednesday May 20. Early bird closing date for UK projects is Thursday April 30. For more information check out the “Gap year…” noticeboard or visit http://www.lattitude.org.au
World Education Program (WEP) Australia is now offering gap year programs to the USA and countries in South America, Africa and Asia. For more information check out the “Gap year…” noticeboard or visit http://www.volunteerabroad.com.au
Subject workshops
Biology
- Human Physiology: Living Space on Friday March 27 (10am-2.30pm) @ Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC). RSVP via Emily Barnes.
- Unit 3 Continuity and change workshop on Monday July 27 - Friday July 31 @ Swinburne University (Hawthorn campus) for $19.80. RSVP via Emily Barnes. Booking subject to interest. http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/events/2009/school2009.html
Drama
Food Technology
- Cupcake Decorating Skills Demonstration on Tuesday March 3-4 (10am-11.30am or 1pm-2.30pm) @ William Angliss Institute, 555 LaTrobe St, Melbourne for free. Ask Vivienne Hogan for more info or visit http://www.angliss.vic.edu.au
- Annual Schools Cook-off Championship on Thursday March 19 @ William Angliss Institute Building A, Level 5 Theatrette, 555 LaTrobe St, Melbourne for free. Ask Vivienne Hogan for more info or visit http://www.angliss.edu.au
Physics
Psychology
Theatre Studies
TAFE/University Key Dates and Open Days
Open Days are one of the best ways to check out what the TAFE or University you are interested in attending next year has to offer. It is important that you visit institutions where you may wish to study. Some courses like art, design, music, drama and related courses can involve an audition, interview and/or folio presentation as part of the selection process, so attendance at Open Days is vital. During an interview you may be asked what you learned about the course at Open Day – a difficult question to answer if you didn’t attend.
Many Open Day dates have already been publicised – put them in your diary and treat them as a priority.
Australian Catholic University
- August 16: Open Day (Melbourne)
- August 30: Open Day (Ballarat)
Ballarat University
Box Hill Institute
- March 25: Parent Information evening (Elgar campus)
- August 23: Open Day
- For more information please visit http://www.bhtafe.edu.au
Deakin University
- August 9: Open Day (Geelong)
- August 16: Open Day (Warrnambool)
- August 23: Deakin University (Melbourne)
Gordon TAFE
Holmesglen TAFE
La Trobe University
- August 16: Open Day (Bendigo)
- August 23: Open Day (Albury/Wodonga)
- August 30: Open Day (Bundoora)
Monash University
- March 31: Science ‘At Monash’ seminar series (Clayton)
- April 1: Arts & Humanities ‘At Monash’ seminar series (Clayton)
- August 1: Open Day (some campuses – will be advised later)
- August 2: Open Day (some campuses – will be advised later)
- For more information please visit: http://www.monash.edu.au/study/events/atmonash
RMIT University/TAFE
Sunraysia TAFE
- August 16: Open Day (Swan Hill)
Swinburne University of Technology
- June 18: Apprenticeships and Traineeships Expo (Hawthorn campus)
- August 16: Open Day (Hawthorn, Lilydale, Prahran campuses)
- September 2: Parents information evening (Hawthorn campus)
- September 16: Parents information evening (Lilydale campus)
- September 23-25: Siemens Science Experience (Hawthorn campus)
- September 26: Swinburne walk and talk (Hawthorn, Lilydale, Prahran campuses)
- December 16: Change of preference expo (Hawthorn, Lilydale, Prahran campuses)
- For more information please visit http://www.swinburne.edu.au
University of Melbourne
- March 22: Veterinary Science Open Day
- March 25: Meet Melbourne information session (Mentone)
- May 5: Meet Melbourne information session (Glen Waverley)
- May 6: Meet Melbourne information session (St Albans)
- May 12: Meet Melbourne information session (Doncaster)
- May 13: Meet Melbourne information session (Glen Waverley repeat)
- August 16: Open Day
- For more information please visit http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/meetmelbourne
Victoria University/TAFE
- August 9: Open Day (Footscray)
Upcoming events for the diary
What: Hot Property @ Deakin
When: March 6 (9.45am-2.30pm)
Where: Deakin University, Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood
How much: free
Other: For those interested in studying Property and Real Estate at Deakin University. Three interactive hands-on workshops and chat with current second year students. Registration has closed.
Web: http://www.imvc.com.au
What: Trial-a-Trade
When: March 14
Where: William Angliss Institute, 555 LaTrobe St, Melbourne
How much: $35
Other: For those interested in a career in the foods or hospitality industries. Try out cookery, patisserie, baking, hospitality and confectionery.
Web: http://www.angliss.edu.au
What: Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition
When: March 14-15 (10.30am-11.30am)
Where: Avalon Auditorium, Exhibition Hall A, Geelong
How much: free (with your purchase of any General Admission or Gold Pass Ticket)
Other: For those interested in a career in the aviation, aerospace and defence industries as well as Australian Defence Force.
Web: http://www.airshow.com.au
What: Transport and Logistics Career and Transition Program
When: March 17
Where: Port Melbourne
How much: tbc
Other: Career opportunities showcased include storepersons, pilots and air traffic controllers, clerks, customer service staff, freight forwarders, shops crew and officers, managers, accountants, IT technicians, etc.
Web: N/A
What: Veterinary Science Open Day (University of Melbourne)
When: March 22 (10am-4pm)
Where: The Veterinary Clinic and Hospital @ 250 Princes Highway Werribee
How much: free
Other: This is an opportunity to go behind the scenes at the University of Melbourne’s State-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic and Hospital. You will have the chance to speak to veterinary staff, meet current students and take a tour of our outstanding facilities.
Web: http://www.vet.unimelb.edu.au
What: The National Careers & Employment Expo
When: March 27-28
Where: Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre (9am-4pm)
How much: free
Other: Master builders, career counselling, resume checking, seminars, stage activities, etc.
Web: http://www.eocexpo.com.au
What: Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine information session
When: April 6 (12.30pm-4pm)
Where: VIFM Lecture Theatre, Coronial Services Centre, 57-63 Kavanagh St, Southbank
How much: tbc
Other: Insights into various career options in forensic sciences. Registration essential.
Web: http://www.vifm.org
What: Art and Design Expo
When: April 7
Where: Swinburne University (Prahran Campus)
How much: tbc
Other: tbc
Web: http://www.swinburne.edu.au
What: Keeper for a Day
When: April 7, 8, 16; June 30; July 1, 7, 8; September 22, 23, 29, 30 (9.30am-2.45pm)
Where: Healesville Sanctuary
How much: $99
Other: Spend a day in the school holidays working with zookeepers.
Web: http://www.zoo.org.au/Learning/Programs/Student_Conferences/Careers
What: Careers at the Zoo
When: April 8, 9, 16, 17, 23, 24 (9.30am-2.45pm)
Where: Werribee Open Range Zoo
How much: $39.50 including admission, safari tour, morning tea
Other: Careers at the Zoo will provide opportunities for students to meet Zoo employees in a range of departments, explore the educational and career paths in the zoo industry and give you skills to help land the job of your dreams.
Web: http://www.zoo.org.au/learning
What: The Age VCE and Careers Expo 2009
When: April 24-26 (10am-5pm)
Where: Caulfield Racecourse, opposite Caulfield Station
How much: $10 for 3 days ($5 for groups of 5+) (some free passes outside Careers office!!!)
Other: Over 165 exhibitors, seminars on VCE subjects, tertiary courses, career and study advice. An Expo Visitor Guide will be published in The Age on Monday April 20.
Web: http://www.education.theage.com.au
What: WRICA Careers and Employment Expo
When: May 14-15
Where: tbc
How much: tbc
Other: tbc
Web: tbc
What: Apprenticeship & Trainee Expo
When: June 18
Where: Swinburne University (Wantirna campus)
How much: tbc
Other: tbc
Web: http://www.swinburne.edu.au
What: Electrical and Computer Engineering holiday program
When: June 30
Where: tbc
How much: tbc
Other: tbc
Web: tbc
What: Eastern TIS (Tertiary Information Service)
When: July 14–17
Where: Deakin University (Burwood Campus)
How much: free
Other: tbc
Web: http://www.tis.org.au
What: Herald Sun Melbourne Career Expo 2009
When: July 24-26 (10am-3/4pm)
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Clarendon St, Southbank
How much: free
Other: View courses and job opportunities from over 100 exhibitors, and stage performances including celebrities, music and fashion parades. Free information and seminars, resume checking and career counselling workshops. Apprenticeship and traineeship options.
Web: http://www.careerexpo.com.au
What: Swinburne University Open Day
When: August 16
Where: Swinburne University (Hawthorn, Lilydale & Prahran campus)
How much: free
Other: tbc
Web: http://www.swinburne.edu.au
What: Box Hill Institute Open Day
When: August 23
Where: tbc
How much: free
Other: tbc
Web: http://www.bhtafe.edu.au
What: IELLEN Youth Pathways Forum
When: September 15
Where: tbc
How much: tbc
Other: tbc
Web: tbc
