Pathways and Transition

JTC Career Tools

Thank you for taking the time to read through the Pathways and Transition component of the John XXIII College weekly newsletter. To get in touch regarding matters concerning Pathways and Transition, please contact Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition: 9383 0416 or jane.hedley@cewa.edu.au John XXIII College students and parents can also book a time to see Jane using THIS LINK.

In this week’s Pathways and Transition newsletter read about:

• Pathways and Transition at John XXIII College
• Career conversations (support for families)
• Defence Force events
• University news
• Scholarships
• ATAR Revision courses
• Year 10 Opportunities
• VETDSS courses 
• Medicine News
• Gap year resources
• Training and VET news
• Senior school opportunities
• People with a disability news
• Spotlight – JMC Academy in 2023

Pathways and Transition at John XXIII College

At the Parent Information Evening held in Term 1, Jane Hedley delivered a presentation titled, 'All about Pathways and Transition'. Jane outlined the Pathways and Transition services and education program offered to students at John XXIII College. She also outlined the three main pathways offered at John XXIII College (in Years 11 and 12). To review the slides from the presentation, click the button below. These are also accessible via SEQTA documents, under 'Pathways and Transition'.

CAREER CONVERSATIONS (SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES)

7 June MyFuture webinar for parents and carers giving advice on how to help your student manage career uncertainty

Wednesday 7 June, 3:30pm

The Myfuture team is delivering this webinar to help parents and carers understand the world of careers that their kids are facing. 

In this webinar, Dr Jo Gleeson from Monash University will talk about how to work with young students who are uncertain about where they see their future, and that is most students.

Register now

June Department of Education Career Conversations

Career Conversations are a series of free events run by The Department of Education (and supported by CEWA and AISWA.) Advice is given regarding how families and young people can talk together about careers and pathways.

You can register for one or more of the events HERE. 

Hear about:

• exploring university and training pathways
• career pathway information for young people with disabilities
• where to find accurate, up-to-date career pathway information
• where the jobs are
• what employers and industry are looking for

Understandably, some families may not have been able to make it to the Career Conversations workshops. Please find attached a useful resource which might be helpful for parents. 

Defence Force events 

Check here to learn about and register for events held over the coming weeks in Perth and online. 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

1 May Early Offers for 2024

Year 12 students will be able to apply for a place at a university in Western Australia for 2024 from Monday 1 May. Offers will begin to be released on 17 July. Students who decide to submit an early application will not have an advantage over other applicants who do not apply early. 

Curtin: How to apply for Semester 1, 2024 resource

Whilst there are more methods and pathways than ever before for applicants to showcase their academic readiness for university, Curtin recognises this can feel like a lot of information for students to filter through.

To ease the complexity around applying to Curtin, they've created an easy-to-follow resource below that based on school pathways, outlines:

• courses students can apply for
• admission criteria
• how to apply and,
• when to expect their offer.

Feel free to navigate to and download this resource online.

Download the Year 12s - How to Apply for Semester 1, 2024 resource

Curtin Undergraduate Course Guide 2024

The 2024 Undergraduate Course Guide is out. 

Curtin is the biggest university in Western Australia and has strong industry links, international study opportunities and excellent student accommodation. 

Check out the courses, then check COMPARED to see what Curtin students think of their student experience. 

Check out the Curtin Undergraduate course guide 2024 HERE. 

Links to Curtin Guides for 2024

Curtin’s 2024 Course Guides are now available online:

• Business and Law Guide
• Humanities Guide
• Engineering Guide
• Science Guide
• Health Sciences Guide
• Undergraduate Guide

Notre Dame Undergraduate Course Guide 2024 

The 2024 Undergraduate Course Guide is out. 

Demand for courses at Notre Dame is increasing. They get good reviews from current students in COMPARED. 

Check out the new Notre Dame Undergraduate Course Guide for 2024.

Notre Dame Assured Pathway to Podiatric Medicine

This undergraduate pathway is for academic high achievers who have not already started any post-school studies. 

SHORTER PATHWAY

Assured Pathway students who undertake the Podiatric Health & Medical Sciences will commence the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in the second year, reducing the overall study period by one year. 

Find more information HERE.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science 

Students may also be interested in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science pathway at Curtin.

Changes to Notre Dame English Language Entry Requirements

From 2023, the minimum English language requirement for entry into Notre Dame Undergraduate programs will be:

• Successful completion of secondary studies in Australia (WACE in WA).
• Successful completion of an AFQ Certificate IV or higher from an Australian RTO[1] 

Programs also have academic requirements which may be at a higher level. 

Notre Dame Core Curriculum

Notre Dame has always had a Core Curriculum for undergraduates. They have updated it this year. 

Notre Dame is launching a new core curriculum. At the undergraduate level, students will now undertake the following two courses.

1. ‘Foundations of Wisdom’ is a course which integrates faith and reason, theology and philosophy.
2. One of five new elective types embedded in the study of philosophy and theology.

The core curriculum primarily serves to build essential critical thinking skills. It allows students to collaborate between disciplines, tackle ethical problems and consider how they can achieve their career ambitions while building a better world.

Find details HERE. 

Notre Dame Undergraduate Diploma of Exercise & Sport Science

Eligible school leavers can undertake our new Undergraduate Diploma of Exercise & Sport Science as a pathway into some programs at Notre Dame University. 

This specialist program will introduce students to methods used in exercise science to assess health status, provide basic exercise delivery, and understand the beneficial effect on human physiology. It also develops students’ study skills for further study or work.

10 June UWA Personal Development Workshop for entry into Medicine and Dentistry

9am – 2pm 

Registrations close 4 June

Who should attend this event?

Year 12 students interested in studying Medicine or Dentistry at UWA in 2024 from Broadway UWA or regional high schools who have booked their UCAT ANZ test prior to registering your attendance.

Find details and register HERE.

5 July UWA Years 10, 11 and 12 On-Campus Experience

Why attend this event?

• Take a tour of UWA’s campus including an optional tour of College Row (residential college accommodation).
• Hear about our courses and entry pathways
• Learn about work-integrated learning and how you can get career-ready at UWA
• Meet some of our expert lecturers, current students and staff, including some of our student clubs and societies

Find details and register HERE. 

UWA Future Students Athlete Program – On-Campus Tour and Webinar

The UWA Future Student Athlete Program is here to support emerging and developmental players in Years 10, 11 and 12 who are considering university study. Future student athletes can sign up online here. 

Through signing up members will gain exclusive access to our On-campus Tour and Webinar which will be held in April (parents and students welcome).

Providing a unique insight into life as a student athlete and support mechanisms available to assist student athlete’s pursuit of achieving their dual career aspirations.

If you have any further questions regarding this program, please contact:

performance@sport.uwa.edu.au.

Accelerate! UWA Music Program for Years 10 - 12

Accelerate! is UWA’s elite training program designed for players in Years 10 to12 who are looking to take their performance and creative music skills to the next level.

In 2023, Accelerate! is offered across all instrumental areas, and voice. Participants will enjoy workshops, masterclasses and receive expert individualised input on performance skills, exam tips, musicianship and more!

Places are strictly limited, and entry is through application and audition. Full scholarship program (no cost to participants). Register now!

UWA music teaching resources for new ATAR music syllabus

The UWA Conservatorium of Music has developed a range of online resources to support music teachers and students across WA. 

This suite of resources has been designed around the new ATAR Music Syllabus.

Copies of UWA’s ATAR set-works analysis booklets are also available from concerts@uwa.edu.au     

 View online resources here.

New Admission Pathway to UWA

The University of Western Australia has launched Experience-based entry, a new pilot program to enable a broader range of students to apply for entry to study at UWA. The program recognises there are many ways to measure a student’s potential to succeed at university and will consider students’ backgrounds, experiences and circumstances when assessing applications.  Entry is a points-based system; applicants require 100 points for successful admission to one of UWA’s Comprehensive bachelor degree courses. 

Some examples of points* include:

*points weightings are subject to change- use Eligibility Checker for best indication of likelihood of entry.

Read more from UWA here and use the UWA eligibility checker here.

UWA Parents Space

Help your teenager figure out what to study or navigate their transition from secondary school to uni! Find advice, tips and all the info you wish you knew when you were a teenager, shared by other parents and guardians like you.

8 June ECU Year 11 and 12’s Engineering Showcase

Find out why you should study engineering at ECU by attending this Engineering Showcase at the Joondalup campus. 

4:30pm – 6:30pm. Find details and book HERE. 

ECU Student Ambassador Recruits

These ECU students are available to speak to high school students about their courses and experiences at ECU. 

Because they are close in age to school students, and because they have had recent transition from school experience, they know the concerns and needs of school students. 

Find more about how to engage with a student ambassador HERE. 

ECU West Coast Eagles Partnership

ECU and the West Coast Eagles has formed a partnership designed to provide expertise to a new generation of people wanting to belong to Australia’s significant sports industry. 

The partnership is designed to support students studying:

• Exercise and Sports Science
• Media and Communications
• Commerce (sport business)
• Sport, Recreation and Event Management 
• Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations

To find out more go HERE. 

ECU promotes non-ATAR Pathways

Students rate ECU as the top university in Western Australia for student experience. It is therefore well placed to support students to enrol and succeed through non-ATAR entry pathways. 

You can check out ECU Non-ATAR Pathways HERE. 

ECU Uni Prep

ECU has three UniPrep Courses designed to support students to gain skills required to succeed at university:

1. UniPrep (Accelerate) 4 weeks
   1. Available for students with near miss ATAR between 55 – 69
   2. Intensive 3 unit version of UniPrep
   3. 4 weeks on Joondalup campus
       
2. UniPrep (Summer) 8 weeks
   1. Available for students with an ATAR below 55 or no ATAR
   2. 8 weeks from the end of November through till end January
       
3. UniPrep General
   1. Available for students who achieve English competency.
   2. Run for one full semester.

8 June Murdoch University Mandurah Campus Open Night

4:30pm -8pm 

Join Murdoch University's Mandurah Campus and discover the enabling pathways into university bachelor degrees or explore your future career in Nursing.

Talk to Murdoch staff about the different pathway options available at their Rockingham and Mandurah campuses.

This event is a great opportunity for the community, TLC110, OnTrack and FlexiTrack students, to discover Nursing at Murdoch University.

Find more details and register HERE.

News from the University of Tasmania (UTAS)

New Bachelor of Biomedicine

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) will be offering the new Bachelor of Biomedicine from Semester 1, 2024.  This biomedicine course is designed and will be taught by active medical researchers at the Tasmanian School of Medicine and the School of Health Sciences. It also draws on the expertise of the specialist research and teaching institutes: the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, and the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. 

As the single university for Tasmania, students will have unparalleled access and connection to the local community, health system, and institutes.  This means that throughout their studies, students are learning from experts who are directly engaged with the health sector both locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Chemistry is a prerequisite for entry into this course.  This degree may allow further study into medicine. 

Find out more at Biomedicine | Study at the University of Tasmania.

Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours – Fast Track

Introducing Australia's only three-year fast-track Pharmacy degree.   

The new fast- track Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours adopts a trimester teaching model, allowing students to complete a traditional four-year degree in just three years and get into the workplace sooner.  Placements can be conducted in Tasmania or mainland Australia, as well as internationally.  Year 12 maths and chemistry are prerequisites for this course. 

Studying at Bond University 

Early Guaranteed Offers

Continuing an initiative developed in 2020, this year Bond University will be assessing applications based on first semester Year 12 results, for guaranteed entry to Bond in 2023. Students are encouraged to Apply Now or learn more here: https://bond.edu.au/year-12-entry. 

Scholarships

Bond University is uniquely placed to recognise students' diverse achievements in the academic, sporting and leadership fields. Applications are now open and students can start a scholarship application once they have submitted a program application. View the full list of available scholarships here: https://bond.edu.au/scholarships. 

The Vnyka Hohnen Scholarship is a special scholarship only available to WA students. 

Open Day, Saturday 29 July  - Unique WA experience

Open Day is back! Bond is thrilled to be once again hosting the biggest event in their calendar. Bond is offering an interstate experience for WA-based Year 12 students who are extremely interested in attending Bond. The student and guardian would need to arrange their own flights to the Gold Coast, however, Bond will cover accommodation and transfers. Students will need to have an offer to study at Bond by the time Open Day comes around, to be eligible for free accommodation and transfers. The link to register for this unique experience is here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2023-open-day-student-experience-registration-640946517287

Matt from Bond is more than happy to speak to interested students and parents at any time about open day, scholarships and offers. Contact details below:

Matthew Griffin, Regional Manager – Gold Coast, Northern New South Wales and Western Australia

Office of Future Students

SCHOLARSHIPS

UWA Scholarships

UWA awards more than 600 scholarships to their coursework students, totalling $6 million – the most of any WA university.

For scholarships enquiries, contact the UWA Scholarships team on 08 6488 3834 or courseworkschols@uwa.edu.au

Christian Leaders Scholarship 

Christian leaders have shaped our culture for thousands of years. The Christian Leaders Scholarship helps cultivate meritorious young Christians to be the next generation of leaders. The Scholarship is offered by a group of Christian leaders in their personal capacity to promote Christians continuing to make a positive impact in our society. 

Application to the Scholarship is currently open. The scholarship is open to students commencing full-time university studies in 2024; and students currently in their first year of university studies. Application closes on Sunday 4 June 2023; however, as applications are being evaluated as they are received, the worthy applicant(s) may be awarded before the closing date.

For more information, please refer to our website.

Curtin Scholarships 2024

ATAR Achievement Scholarships

This scholarship is fairly easy to achieve.

Application forms are not required, students apply by selecting an eligible Curtin course through TISC as their first preference.

The scholarship will reward applicants who achieve an ATAR 3 points higher than their predicted ATAR, based on Year 11 studies, and who want to pursue study at Curtin University.

Find details HERE. 

Curtin Principal’s Recommendation

The Curtin Principal’s Recommendation Award has been developed by Curtin University to encourage and support students who have chosen to study at Curtin University.

Each West Australian high school principal can nominate two students for this award. Students can be nominated on any of the below criteria:

• Academic merit; or
• Showing most improvement during their high school studies; or
• Potential to achieve at university; or
• Adverse personal circumstances; or
• Financial difficulties

Find details HERE. 

Business and Law Top Excellence Scholarship

The Business and Law Top Excellence Scholarship has been developed by Curtin University to reward and assist the academically talented student(s) who receive the top ATAR within the Faculty of Business and Law.

Application forms are not required, students apply by selecting a Business and Law undergraduate degree through TISC as their first preference.

Charles Watson Top Excellence Scholarship for Health Sciences

Application forms are not required for this scholarship, students apply by selecting an eligible health sciences undergraduate degree through TISC as their first preference. 

Find details HERE.

Curtin Excellence Scholarships

You will automatically be awarded the Curtin Excellence Scholarship if you’re a domestic Year 12 student, graduate with an ATAR of 96+*, have an eligible Curtin course as your first preference and accept our main round offer:

• If your ATAR is 96 – 96.99, you’ll receive a one-year scholarship valued at $5,000.
• If your ATAR is 97 or higher, you’ll receive a three-year scholarship valued at $15,000.

Humanities Top Excellence Scholarship

The Humanities Top Excellence Scholarship has been developed by Curtin University to reward and assist academically talented student(s) who receive the top ATAR within the Faculty of Humanities.

Application forms are not required, students apply by selecting a humanities undergraduate degree through TISC as their first preference. 

Find details HERE. 

John de Laeter Top Excellence Scholarship for Science and Engineering

The John de Laeter Top Excellence Scholarship has been developed by Curtin University to reward and assist academically talented student(s) who receive the top ATAR within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Application forms are not required, students apply by selecting a science or engineering undergraduate degree through TISC as their first preference. 

Find details HERE. 

Women in Engineering Top Excellence Scholarship

The Women in Engineering Top Excellence Scholarship has been developed by Curtin University to reward and assist academically talented female student(s) who receive the top ATAR in an Engineering degree within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Application forms are not required, students apply by selecting an engineering undergraduate degree through TISC as their first preference.

Find details HERE.

ECU ATAR High Achievement Scholarship

ATAR High Achievement Scholarship

• ATAR of 90 or higher (unadjusted)
• $3,000 scholarship in two payments in your first year

ATAR Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

• ATAR of 97 or higher (unadjusted)
• $5,000 for each full year of study for your chosen course

ECU Engineering Excellence Scholarship

• Valued at up to $20,000, $5,000 per year.
• Available to high-performing Year 12 students who have achieved an ATAR of 94

ECU Science Excellence Scholarship

• Valued at up to $15,000, $5,000 per year.
• Available to high-performing Year 12 ATAR students

ECU Equity Scholarship

• Up to $1,500 per semester for the duration of the course

ECU Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Scholarship

• Valued at $3,000 per year for each full-time year of study.

11 June Qantas Female and Indigenous Scholarship applications close

The Qantas Group Pilot Academy Scholarship Program aims to provide equity-based grants to support diversity. Over the coming five years, 50 scholarships are on offer.

Applications are open and being accepted for Academy courses from now until 2028 from females or First Nations People. 

For more information, read our FAQs, or email Diversity and Inclusion.

Find information HERE. 

Applications Open for Insurance Scholarships for Certificate, Diploma, Degree or Traineeship

The Real Futures Grant is a $5,000 grant awarded to a student studying for a certificate, diploma, degree or traineeship in one of the following fields: 

• Healthcare, 
• Medicine, 
• Business, or 
• Finance.

Applicants must write an essay saying why they want to work in their selected field and what difference they hope to make. 

You can apply HERE. 

Ag CareerStart Scholarships

The AgCareerStart Scholarships opens on 14 August. 

Successful applicants will be placed with a host farmer on a Gap Year paid work placement.

Register for Scholarship Alerts

To register for scholarship alerts go to the Good Universities Guide and register your preferences for scholarship alerts so to that you find out as new scholarships are announced. 

ATAR REVISION PROGRAMS

YEAR 10 OPPORTUNITIES

Year 10 SCSA Information Handbook 

The Year 10 Information handbook and accompanying slides are now available on the SCSA website at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/publications/year-10-information. The handbook and slides will be of use to staff and Year 10 students and their parents.

Year 10 Subject Selections for University 2026

If you're in Year 10, the TISC University Admission 2026 (available end Term 2/early Term 3) will help you choose your senior secondary courses, so that you can meet university entry requirements. 

Check the undergraduate admissions information that applies to the year in which you'll be commencing your university study.

• The Curtin Year 10 Guide may be useful when making your decisions. 
• The University Admissions Centre gives this advice to students in NSW.

It takes a Spark! STEM Conference 

The It Takes a Spark! Conference is on in September. Find details HERE.

This is students at last year’s conference. They are playing a Potato Pirates game that taught them about computational thinking and programming in a frenetic way

You get to talk to experts from universities, TAFE’s and industry about future STEM possibilities. 

VETDSS Courses

John XXIII College offers our non-ATAR senior students the opportunity to travel offsite one day per week to undertake VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students.) The table below lists some of our partner RTOs (Registered Training Organisations). Click the links to browse the courses on offer. Please get in touch with Jane Hedley or Kelli Beaton, should you wish to discuss how you, or your child, may combine offsite VET with their senior school studies at John XXIII College.

For families who already have a student studying an off-site VET course, please take the time to review the College and RTO expectations for students studying offsite VET- click the button below for an overview of expectations and tips for students (and parents of students) studying offsite VET. When parents and students understand what is involved in undertaking an off-site VET course, they have the best chance of succeeding in their endeavours. 

MEDICINE NEWS  

Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Admissions Guide

Curtin advises using the 2023 MBBS Admissions Guide as the guide for 2024.

It includes information about the course, key dates and admission criteria.

Curtin has clear and easy-to-find information about getting into medicine on its website. 

Curtin Medicine admission update

There are some important updates to entry applications for our 5-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery course.

Changes to the entry requirements for the 2024 intake

Applicants will be required to undertake the Casper test and can register for one of four set dates. Further information will be available in our Admissions Guide, which will be updated in late May.

Predicted ATAR forms are no longer required for those undertaking their WACE. The Curtin Medical School will use the TISC system for predicted ATAR calculations, which should alleviate the workload for schools.

We would also like to stress to school leaver applicants that bridging units are not sufficient to meet the chemistry prerequisite. Though not a change, it is a question that is often raised by school leavers.

Changes to the entry requirements for the 2025 intake

As well as the above, the chemistry prerequisite needs to be met within the 5 years prior to admission to the course. This will not affect school leavers but will affect non-school leavers and graduates who are applying to study medicine after completing other studies.

New Pathway to medicine at UniSQ

If you’re looking to become a Doctor, you know you’ll need to study one of the few (and competitive) degrees out there that lead to your chosen career. The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) are now making it easier for regional students to realise their dreams, launching the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway). Upon successful completion of this degree (with a GPA of 5.0) you’ll automatically gain entry into the Doctor of Medicine at the UQ Rural Clinical School in Toowoomba.

Read more here.

Getting into Medicine in WA

There is good reason to believe medical students are outstanding. This year there were one hundred successful applicants for medicine at Curtin from 2700 applicants. 

If you want to apply for medicine:

• Take chemistry: Chemistry is a pre-requisite subject for medicine at most universities across Australia. 
• Rural and remote applicants: The Medicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au 

Check Do you want to study medicine in WA post.  

Entry to Medicine for 2024 (UCAT)

University Clinical Aptitude Test 

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs.  Universities requiring the UCAT are listed at this link - Universities requiring the UCAT.  Students intending to apply for courses requiring the UCAT at any of these universities are reminded that they will need to book a test. 

The testing dates will be from 3 July 2023 to 12 August 2023.

Students who are preparing for entry into any of these courses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the format of the test at UCAT Test Format  and the practice tests and preparation material provided at UCAT Preparation.

Institutions that will require the UCAT are:

Find out more at UCAT.

Medicine Matrix and Dental Matrix 2024

Open the PDFs to see the 2024 Medicine and Dental Matrices – a list of where students can study Medicine and Dentistry around Australia, a snapshot of the entry requirements for each place and whether it is offered as an undergraduate or graduate course.

Undergraduate Medicine at Monash: Entry Infographic

Free Online Student Guide

Students considering studying medicine or dentistry are invited to access the iCanMed website for information about where to study medicine and dentistry, what the entry requirements might be, and all things related to the UCAT test required for most medicine courses.  This is an excellent ‘go to guide’ to use as a resource.

Medicine Updates from Notre Dame University

New Graduate Diploma in Paramedicine

New Biomedicine Pathway into Medicine

From 2024 Notre Dame will offer a guaranteed pathway into the Doctor of 

Medicine for their own top Biomedical Science Graduates.  

In 2024 there will be 15 places granted based on:

1. Their Grade Point Average in Biomedical Science degree (how good their results are). You can check how the Grade Point Average is calculated for medicine at Notre Dame HERE. In 2022 students commencing Doctor of Medicine had a Grade Point Average of 6.53 (out of a possible 7)
2. Their GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admission Test) results
3. An Interview – These are a series of mini-interviews which are rapid-fire and stressful. 

Pre Medicine Certificate

Notre Dame delivers a Pre Medicine Certificate that students undertake in addition to their full undergraduate degree. Successful completion of the course guarantees AN INTERVIEW if you meet the required Grade Point Average and GAMSAT requirements. It does not guarantee a place in the Doctor of Medicine course. Students must assess how much doing the Pre Medicine Certificate will impact their Grade Point Average and GAMSAT scores. 

GAP YEAR RESOURCES

Gap Year Program 2024 

Applications open: To current Years 12 and 13 students who will be graduating in 2023.

Requirements: No past experience or ATAR is required. All training will be provided.

Are you in Year 12 and not sure what you want to do next? Spend an exciting 12 months, where you'll not only get paid to carry out meaningful and important work that improves the lives of all Australians but also gain life-changing skills.

Discover your path with a Home Affairs GAP Year.

The Department of Home Affairs offers a 12-month gap year to Years 12 and 13 students graduating in 2023.  The Gap Year Program will commence on the 19 February 2024 with positions offered in dynamic teams to support the processing and administration of fast-paced and essential business areas within the Department.

Applications opened on Tuesday 23 May and will close Sunday 2 July 2023 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST.  

Students are required to apply through the Department of Home Affairs website by uploading a current CV and details of two referees, along with an application response outlining their career aspirations and why they want to participate in the Home Affairs GAP year Program.   This response should be limited to between 200 and 300 words.

To find out more, and to apply, students can click HERE to apply.

Contact entryprogramsandpathways@homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.

Defence Force Gap Year

If you are not sure what you want to do next year, check out the Defence Force Gap Year program.

• You get paid. 
• You have somewhere to live. 
• You learn new skills. 
• You travel and you meet new people. 

These are just three or the many careers that you can choose from. 

Find out more HERE. 

Gap Year Opportunity – AgCareer Start

During COVID lockdowns, backpackers from all over the world couldn’t come to Australia. The government set up AgCAREERSTART program designed to address the worker crisis and introduce Australian school leavers to a variety of careers in agriculture. 

You can identify where you would like to go and what sort of farm you’d prefer. There is funding for travel and support from the AgCAREERSTART team. 

If you are not sure what to do when you leave school, or if you would like to earn some money before you start uni, check out the opportunities at AgCAREERSTART. 

Projects Abroad

These projects give young people opportunities to grow and learn as they experience other countries. There are lots of different projects. A new one is a Diving and Marine Conservation project in Thailand for 15 – 18-year-olds. 

Check it out HERE.

You need to pay to be a volunteer. You can check all of the different projects HERE.

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

21 June SEDA Fremantle Dockers Information Session

Sport, Business & Leadership Program

When: Wednesday 21 June 2023 at 6:30pm

Where: Cockburn ARC

Register HERE 

 To find out more about course and course costs contact liamt@sedagroup.com.au  or ring 0447 149 508 with any enquiries, and direct students to seda.edu.au/programs.

Register now for McMahon’s Apprenticeships and Traineeships

McMahon’s is one of the biggest and most highly rated employers of apprentices. 

They offer apprenticeships for:

• Auto Electricians
• Boilermakers
• HD Fitters

Register your interest in a McMahon’s apprenticeship HERE. 

Register for Apprenticeship Alerts

Woodside and several employers of apprentices in the mining industry advertise and have the training managed through Programmed. You can register for apprenticeship alerts HERE. 

You can also register on SEEK.

Horticulture Career Site

Kickstart your career in gardening! 

Need a little inspiration? Not sure where to start? 

We've got a list of common questions and a load of videos from people who've taken their first steps. When you're ready for more and want to find a job that’s right for you, click on the links below to find places to study, a variety of careers, professional organisations and a heap of opportunities. 

For more information go HERE.

Traineeship Guide published

This is a handy guide on traineeships put out by the Community Skills Training Council which oversees traineeships in health, education and community services industries. 

You can get a copy HERE.

Apprenticeship versus University (skills)

Some students may feel torn when choosing between university and an apprenticeship. However, they may not realise that both approaches require similar skills for success.

Whether pursuing a degree or an apprenticeship, students must possess technical, communication, time management, adaptability, customer service, and safety skills. 

This infographic from Migas Apprentices and Trainees is a useful visual prompt to consider the similarities between skills required for apprenticeship and university pathways.

Discounted Driving Lessons for Pre-Apprentices

This is part of a new Drivers Licence Support Program which is removing barriers for young people training in the building and construction industry as part of the Government's efforts to get more workers into construction. 

The Construction Training Fund's $1.26 million Driver's Licence Training Support Program gives students the opportunity to obtain a driver's licence while ensuring apprentices entering the construction workforce are job ready. 

For more details, please click here

Strong employment outcomes for apprentices 

The proportion of apprentices and trainees employed after training remained high in 2022, according to the latest report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

• Apprentice and trainee outcomes 2022 shows that 94.9% of apprentices and trainees who completed their training in a trade occupation were employed after training, Of these, 67.7% were with the same employer as their apprenticeship or traineeship.
• For those who completed training in non-trade occupations, 89.3% were employed after training, up 1.7 percentage points from 2021, of which 70.9% were with the same employer as their apprenticeship or traineeship.
• 84% of non-completers, from both trade and non-trade occupations, were employed after leaving their training.

You can read the report HERE.

West Australia Defence Space Capability Training in Exmouth

WA is about to start building its capacity to engage in strategic naval and space capabilities at the Harold E. Holt defence base in Exmouth.

South Metro is joining forces with defence space capability partner Raytheon Australia to train its Exmouth workforce. 

If you think working in the space industry is where you belong, contact South Metro TAFE to find out more. 

MPA Skills: Apply now for a 2024 Plumbing or Painting Cert II qualification

Students at John XXIII College who are currently or intend to study a Training Direct Pathway in Year 11 or 12 may apply now for a one-year Cert II Plumbing or Cert II Building and Construction (Painting) pre-apprenticeship through MPA Skills. These courses are part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Students program. Interested students and/or families MUST talk to Ms. Hedley before applying. 

WA Training AWARD Winners 2023

Take a look at the inspiring stories of the 2023 WA Training Award winners. Click the hyperlinks in the attached document, to watch the videos. 

Take the Leap

North Metro TAFE has a new game that helps you to discover why you do what you do. It leads to an end game jobs map. You can check it out HERE. 

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways 

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways is an Australia-wide information hub. Students and parents can find an abundance of resources and tools here, to learn about Australian Apprenticeships and research career options. Check out their Students section to learn more about what an apprenticeship is, read through the information for parents and friends, or take some of their career quizzes to see what kind of apprenticeship might suit you. The Insiders and Advisers section contains some useful downloadable resources such as career flowcharts for different industries and career areas- see the automotive career flowchart example below. 

South Metropolitan TAFE gains key role in WA defence industry plan

South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia will receive new state-of-the-art training equipment under the state’s latest defence industry blueprint that will give it a key role in naval manufacturing. 

The Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27 was launched last week. It sets out the approach to skilling WA's defence industry workforce through collaboration across schools, TAFEs, specialist training providers, universities, and unions.

Construction Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program

Take the first step towards a career in construction while still at school with our Scholarship Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The course is designed to combine work experience, training, and education while helping students explore and plan career options.

The Construction Training Fund Scholarship Program is an innovative way to get a head start and work towards a building and construction apprenticeship. Suitable for Year 11 and Year 12 students, our Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program is highly regarded by employers and may provide credits or reduced time as an apprentice.

Each year scholarships are awarded to students in Western Australia with a passion for the building industry. Gain experience and unlock job-ready training while completing school.

Register HERE.

See how a VET qualification can be the door to a wonderful life

This is a fantastic OECD article that talks about how a vocational qualification can be a ticket across academic and professional higher education levels. 

You can find it HERE. 

SENIOR SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

3 July Curtin Year 12 ATAR Accounting and Finance Conference

9am – 1:30pm

We’re excited to invite all Year 12 ATAR Accounting and Finance students to this upcoming revision session. This event is designed to help you prepare for your exams with insider tips and strategies from industry experts.

Join this engaging and informative day filled with extended answer techniques, interactive sessions, and a chance to network with peers. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious morning tea, merchandise, and free parking included in the ticket price ($20).

Find out more and get tickets HERE. 

4 July Curtin Economics Conference

Get ready for the ultimate ATAR economics conference designed to elevate your revision game and prepare you for success! Bringing together industry leaders to share their expert insights and knowledge with you.

With a line-up of inspiring speakers, including renowned economist Paul Bloxham (Chief Economist HSBC and Curtin alumni) and special guest Steven Kemp (author of your textbook), you’ll be immersed in a world of economic theory and real-world application.

Find details and get tickets HERE.

Applications Open for 2024 National Youth Science Forum 

Applications close 31 July

The NYSF program is a 10 day science camp run in Canberra and Brisbane in January for students going into Year 12 who are interested in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The program provides participants with outstanding STEM experiences, and opportunities to see a range of careers and you will meet students who could be colleagues throughout your career. 

West Australian applicants are encouraged to contact their local Rotary group as Rotary supports this program where possible. You can find out about scholarships HERE. 

You can find out about the program HERE.

11 June WAAPA Weekend workshops 

Sensational Strings with the Darlington Quartet for Years 10, 11 and 12 string students

Book Now for 11 June 10am – 5pm

The legendary Darlington Quartet leads string students in an inspirational day of string chamber music. You’ll play wonderful chamber works, learn lots as you explore musicianship, sound, phrasing and rhythm, play in a chamber orchestra, and have fun making new string friends. The day concludes with an exciting performance for parents at 4.00pm.

Cost: Free. Bookings are essential

18 June WAAPA Weekend Workshop Percussion Pandemonium - Year 10, 11 and 12 

Book Now for Sunday 18 June 1pm – 5pm

Come and join WAAPA for Percussion Pandemonium – a free afternoon of fun, music, drums and supercharged percussion!

Led by Genevieve Wilkins, Tim White and Defying Gravity, WAAPA’s percussion teachers and students work with you in fun hands-on workshops exploring ensemble playing, percussion technique, rhythm games, improvisation and world music.

Venue: Richard Gill Auditorium and Handa Percussion Studio 

Cost: Free. Bookings are essential.

16 July WAAPA Free Jazz Workshops  - for students 12 years old and over

Book Now for 16 July 2:00pm - 3:30pm 

The world-class staff from WAAPA's Jazz department will be running free instrumental and vocal workshops for aspiring young musicians. This is a unique opportunity to learn from some of the country's finest jazz performers and educators, whilst getting a glimpse into life at WAAPA.

Instruments

Please arrive at 1:45pm for registration in building 1 foyer.

Workshops 2:00pm – 3:00pm – Multiple rooms

Parents can attend a concert from 3:00pm – 3:30pm in the Geoff Gibbs Theatre

Cost: Free. Bookings are essential.

22 – 23 July WAAPA ACE your WACE 2.0

Dates: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 

Boost your confidence and turbocharge your WACE performance exam or audition!

You’ll perform one of your exam/audition pieces in a fun workshop setting - and WAAPA’s classical music lecturers will give you advice and strategies for enhancing your performance.

Girls Focus on Mining Camp

The Girls Focus on Mining Camp is a five-day residential camp for high school girls to experience what it’s like to study and work in the mining industry in WA. You’ll get to tour mine sites, participate in hands-on workshops and tour Curtin’s Kalgoorlie School of Mines campus.  

The program targets girls in Year 10, 11 or 12 who have an interest in science or engineering and would like an introduction to the mining and resources sector.

Do dates identified yet. Find details HERE.

Curtin Girls in Engineering Tomorrow

This out-of-school program is for Year 11 girls who are doing Maths Methods and interested in engineering. There are 10 sessions that deliver maths tutoring and exposure to engineering applications.

• Get assistance from an experienced maths tutor
• Meet engineer mentors and hear about their experiences
• Participate in a range of engineering-themed workshops and activities
• Learn more about courses and careers from our Future Student Advisors

Find details HERE. 

Entrepreneurship for 12 to 17-year-old student-focused students @Bloom

Each year enterprising school students start their own businesses doing everything from dog walking to cyber security services. 

Bloom Youth Outreach Programs are student focused innovation programs that provide students with entrepreneurship and innovative camps throughout the year.

The programs allow students to get access to enthusiastic support and know-how. 

They connect with industry professionals to provide one day, to one weeklong program for students aged 12 to 17 years to upskill in entrepreneurship concepts.

Check out what is available HERE. 

2023 WACE Manual

This is your opportunity to find everything you need to know about senior secondary school WACE qualifications in one spot. 

For example, it has:

• A summary of WACE requirements
• Different study options.
• Course outlines

Teachers use information in the WACE Manual to make sure you are enrolled in appropriate courses and to explore what different study options you can take. 

The publication is free and you can check out what is needed and what is possible HERE.

University Admissions 2025 – Pre-requisites

If you want to go to university when you leave school, but don’t know what you want to do, check out the University Admissions 2025 course pre-requisites. 

Make an appointment with your school career advisor and go through courses that you might choose. Make sure you are doing the subjects you need to get into those courses. 

Alternative Pathways This booklet also identifies alternative pathways into university. 

Senior School Language

Here is a quick guide to some of the acronyms and initials that you will her in senior school. 

You can download a free copy HERE. 

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY NEWS

2024 Curtin Students

If you have a disability and plan to go to Curtin in 2023, register with Curtin’s AccessABILITY Unit so that staff are aware that you will be attending and of any specific services they need to provide to ensure your best opportunity to succeed. 

You can find details HERE. 

Genius Armoury Cyber Security for Autistic Students 

Genius Armoury offers a range of courses to help introduce neurodiverse individuals to cybersecurity, exploring some of the fundamentals of coding, threats, and exploits, networking, and more. Available to anyone and free to complete, modules only take around 30 minutes to complete.

Successful completion of the program may provide eligibility to those located in Western Australia for enrol in a Bachelor of Science course in Cybersecurity at Curtin without an eligible ATAR, through the Portfolio entry system.

Find details HERE. 

Scholarships for Students with a Disability

If you have a disability, this doesn’t have to stop you from attending university. Alongside dedicated support services, heaps of institutions also offer special scholarships for students with a disability. In this blog, we’ve found some you might like to take a look at.

Who are these scholarships for?

Disability scholarships are often open to students with many different disabilities. This can include physical disabilities, learning and cognitive disabilities, sensory issues, and even mental health issues.

Some particular scholarships may target students with a specific disability (e.g. deaf and hard-of-hearing students, students with autism) so make sure you read the eligibility criteria carefully before you apply.

Why should I apply for a scholarship?

There are lots of reasons a scholarship can help with your studies. They can provide financial assistance towards things like mobility aids, adaptive technology, and other study costs. Some scholarships come with additional access to support services, or priority access to accommodation.

Each year there are hundreds of scholarships that go unawarded because nobody applies – so it’s always worth having a go.

Top scholarships for students with a disability

Here are some scholarships for students with a disability you might like to check out:

• Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Opportunity Scholarship – a scholarship worth up to $10,000 each year for a student with a physical disability to help cover educational expenses.
• Vision Australia Further Education Bursary – provides adaptive technology to help students who are blind or have low vision to succeed in their studies.
• Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund – provides small six monthly grants of up to $2,500 to assist people with disabilities to continue their learning.
• Redkite Dare to Dream Scholarship – open to any teenager in Australia who has cancer or has had cancer at any point in their life. Teens can receive up to $5,000 to help them achieve a goal.
• Northcott Scholarship Opportunities – support for people with a disability currently studying at TAFE, University or other Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
• You can find tons more scholarship opportunities on our database here.

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE.

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families to understand the supports available to get into open employment. 

School Leavers kit for students with Disability

A School Leavers Information Kit specifically designed for school leavers with a disability has been developed. You can find a copy HERE. 

Entry Roles Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

Find information about entry roles supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing HERE.

SPOTLIGHT

Snapshot of JMC Academy in 2023

JMS Campuses: Sydney – Melbourne - Brisbane

Celebrating 40 years in education, JMC Academy remains one of Australia’s leading private Creative Industries institutions, offering Degrees and Diplomas in Music, Songwriting, Audio Engineering, Film and Television Production, Acting, Entertainment Business Management, Visual Communication (Design), Animation, Game Design and Music Production.

• ANIMATION
  Developed in association with Pixar and Animal Logic, develop the skills to animate and bring characters and worlds to life with the latest 3D and MoCap tech.
   
• AUDIO ENGINEERING & SOUND PRODUCTION
  Create, record, produce, edit, mix or master–craft the sound musicians strive for, and producers dream of marketing with audio and recording tech directly in sync with the industry.
   
• CONTEMPORARY MUSIC PERFORMANCE 
  Standing centre stage, crowd roaring, bass pumping, the lights come up…  This course is about nailing your performance, mastering your talent, sound mixing your own work and being heard, loud and proud.
   
• DESIGN (VISUAL COMMUNICATION) 
  Powerful design inspires, engages, and connects people, channelling your vision into the hearts and minds of your audience. With the latest apps and tech in the digital realm, it has the capacity to change the world.
   
• ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 
  Develop the business acumen and creative knowledge to plan, manage and whip an artist, festival, band, or event into lucrative commercial shape and carve out a career in entertainment.
   
• FILM & TELEVISION PRODUCTION 
  Digital technology is creating unprecedented demand for information, and entertainment production is big business. Produce your own cutting-edge content with the latest media and 3D tech at JMC.
   
• GAME DESIGN 
  Design, develop and market your next gaming creation with the latest 3D and MoCap tech and build your own worlds with leading game engines and the power of your imagination.
   
• SONGWRITING 
  Bring your own music to life at JMC and launch yourself into the entertainment industry with knowledge of composing, editing, live sound, recording and tech such as ProTools and Sibelius.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@cewa.edu.au