Careers
Year 12 VCE
On 11th of December at 7am all Year 12 VCE students will receive their results which includes study scores and ATAR. Students will have until the 13th December, 4pm to review the courses they have selected in their VTAC accounts and either leave, add to or remove. This is called - Change of Preference. During change of preference all Year 12 VCE students that have applied for VTAC accounts should check in with the GSSC Careers Team to discuss the chances of receiving a university course offer and potentially adding additional pathway courses to ensure they don’t miss out. It is really important to remember that there are many ways to get into your dream course. The Careers Team will be available to all Year 12 students in the Gymnasium to discuss this on Monday 11th – Wednesday 13th December from 9am to 3pm each day. No bookings are required.
FOCUS ON SUMMER SCHOOLS
The following programs are running during the Christmas break.
MAGNIFY MUSIC CAMP
Magnify is an intensive high-level skills camp for high school students between the ages of 14 – 18 who are serious about career success in the field of music. Run by Box Hill Institute, the camp will run between 15 - 20 January 2024. There will be a final concert on Friday night, where students can show off their newfound skills. Entry is by audition and there are only 30 places. The cost is $450, https://bit.ly/45idxrc
INSIGHTS PROGRAM
NIE and Immerse Education offers an amazing 11-day residential program in Sydney for students who are passionate about academics. The program will run between 3 – 13 January 2024 and most streams are almost full.
Streams cover study areas such as medicine, business, creative writing, veterinary studies, international studies, and psychology. The cost is over $10,000 and students will stay on campus at a University of Sydney College. For information and to apply, visit www.niecareers.com.au
FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOL
Filmmaking for the Digital Age: this intensive summer school is taught by Australia’s leading film industry professionals and is suited to people from all ages and backgrounds. The event will be held between 12 - 14 January 2024 at Dancehouse, Carlton North, Vic.
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE - VCE SUMMER SCHOOL
The University of Melbourne will run a two-week summer school in January for students entering Year 12 in 2024. Applications haven’t opened yet, but students can read about the program and complete an expression of interest via https://bit.ly/47RACUg
FUTURE DOCTORS PROGRAM
NIE offers a 4-day intensive work experience program for students interested in medicine. Cost is $2,290 and doesn’t cover transport or accommodation. The Melbourne program will run between 19 – 22 January 2024 and is currently 55% full. For information and to apply, visit www.niecareers.com.au
CAMPION COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAM
This immersive four-day program provides the opportunity to reside on campus and interact with like-minded peers. Students will engage in a fun-filled program including movies, trivia, dancing, and sports, as well as sample lectures from history, literature, philosophy, and theology professors. Applicants must be 16 – 20 years old.
When: 9 – 12 or 16 – 19 January 2024.
Where: Campion College, Toongabbie, NSW.
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DRAMATIC ARTS (NIDA)
NIDA is running several acting and musical theatre short courses for students at the Melbourne campus during January. To explore the program options and reserve your place, visit www.open.nida.edu.au
MONASH UNIVERSITY – ENGAGE ENGINEER
This program is for students who will be in Years 9 or 10 in 2024 and will run on 15 & 16 January 2024. Students will have the opportunity to participate in various engineering related workshops to gain hands on experience about engineering. Activities include paper rocket launching, designing sustainable buildings, participating in a race using mini rovers you get to make and so much more! The workshops are presented by Monash Engineering Student Teams, and a tour of on campus laboratories and a Q&A panel is included. To register your place, visit
www.monash.edu/engineering/meg/activities
Job Spotlight
Interpreters understand and translate speech into a different language. Often they work in real time, providing instantaneous translation between parties. They can work in a huge variety of settings such as business, government, the arts, legal, and in the community. The difference between and an Interpreter and a Translator is that Interpreters work with spoken language, while Translators decipher written text.
If you have great communication skills, speak another language fluently, and have a passion for helping people, this could be the perfect job for you.
If you have these skills, you could make a great Interpreter
- Excellent language skills
- Great communicator
- Friendly and approachable
- Emotionally intelligent
- Resilient and adaptable
- Strong cultural awareness
- Good understanding of body language
What tasks can I expect to do?
- Work with clients to determine their needs
- Provide verbal translations between parties
- Determine appropriate language for each setting
- Remain professional and impartial throughout communications
- Ensure that clients are satisfied with the outcomes
Where do Interpreters work?
Depending on the kind of work you’re doing, you might work both indoors and outdoors. You might be working in an office environment, researching in museums or galleries, travelling with diplomats and government, or following camera crews to provide live translations on television and radio.
What kind of lifestyle can I expect as an Interpreter?
You will likely need work flexible hours as an Interpreter, as your services may be needed any time, including on weekends and holidays. Depending on your role, you might even have the opportunity for travel.
Most Interpreters can expect to earn an average salary throughout their career.
An important part of this job is getting along with people from all walks of life – which also means sometimes facilitating difficult conversations while remaining impartial and unemotional. But you’ll also help people’s voices be heard and make a positive difference too.
How to become an Interpreter
Even if you are already fluent in a foreign language, completing a qualification is often preferred by employers and clients.
Step 1 – Finish high school, focusing on English and your language of interest.
Step 2 – Obtain a relevant university or vocational qualification in interpreting, languages, or arts.
Step 3 – Immerse yourself in the culture of your chosen language, either through work experience or by travel, to deepen your understanding of the language and culture.
Step 4 – Become certified through an accreditation organisation or authority.
Step 5 – Upskill with short courses and continued professional development.
Find out more here:
- National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (Australia & NZ)
- Institute of Translation and Interpreting (UK)
- American Translators Association (US)
- Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council
Similar careers to Interpreter
- Sign Language Interpreter
- Translator
- Languages Teacher
- Linguist
- Speech Pathologist
- Anthropologist
- Historian
Find out more about alternative careers.
OTHER NEWS
COMPETITIONS
Add to your resume and have fun by entering competitions!
Writing
Secondary school students are invited to enter the ‘Little Stories, Big Ideas’ competition. The Term 4 theme is ‘magic’. Applications close 22 December 2023, https://littlestoriesbigideas.com.au/
Art and ocean conservation
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international contest that engages students and teachers in ocean conservation through art. This year’s theme is ‘Hidden Wonders of the Deep’. You will create a piece of art that depicts mysterious and unique deep-sea creatures or ecosystems, highlighting the beauty and diversity that often goes unseen. Scholarships of up to $500 will awarded to the winning entries. Entries close 4 March 2024,
www.livingoceansfoundation.org
PASSIONATE ABOUT SPORT?
Enjoy playing sport and would like to combine your sports career with study in the future? The following are education programs you may like to explore:
Richmond Institute of Sport Leadership
This is a partnership program between Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University. As part of the 12-month program, students will study a dual Diploma in Sports Development and Leadership and Management. Graduates of the program can gain entry into a range of courses at Swinburne University. The campus is at Melbourne and online courses are available,
Carlton College of Sport
This is a partnership program between Carlton Football Club and La Trobe University. As part of the 12-month program, students will study a University Diploma in either Sports Coaching and Development or Elite Sports Business. Graduates of the program can gain entry into eligible courses at La Trobe University. Classes will be held at Ikon Park, Carlton Football Club grounds and La Trobe University, Bundoora.
https://carltoncollegeofsport.com.au/
Holmesglen-Saints Sports Program
Students will study a Diploma of Sports Development and Diploma of Events Management through Holmesglen Institute, Moorabbin, and study at both Holmesglen and St Kilda Football Club, https://holmesglen.edu.au/
SEDA
SEDA runs two partnership programs – one with the Collingwood Football Club and one with Melbourne Victory. The Sport & Business Programs through each partnership offer students access to an elite sporting environment, whilst completing a dual Diploma in sport and business.
The partnership programs will enable you to connect and learn from industry experts, coaches and elite athletes. Graduates of the programs can gain direct entry into a range of courses with leading tertiary education providers, https://seda.edu.au/programs/
UNIVERSITY - EARLY ENTRY PROGRAMS
Did you know that at some universities, you can apply for programs that enable you to receive a course offer before your final Year 12 results are released?
These are called ‘early entry’ programs and they provide a way for universities to take into consideration factors other than just your ATAR for admission into courses.
Some universities take into consideration your Year 11 results for university entry. This is very important to know for students starting Year 11, finishing Year 11, or advancing into Year 11 subjects.
Students with a successful early entry application may receive a ‘conditional’ or ‘unconditional offer’.
Conditional offer
Means that you will need to meet additional criteria to receive an offer such as a minimum ATAR and/or achieve subject and study score prerequisites.
Unconditional offer
Means as long as you complete Year 12 and achieve the course prerequisites, you will receive an offer (the ATAR will not be taken into consideration).
Example
Harry works very hard during Year 11 in 2023 and achieves strong grades. He applies for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University via the Charles Sturt Advantage program in April 2024 (during Year 12).
The University is impressed with his Year 11 grades as well as his Advantage application and makes him a course offer in June.
Harry just has to complete and pass Year 12. He does this and then starts the Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Semester 1, 2025.
Read about early entry programs via https://slmcareerresources.edublogs.org/
It’s important to note that information is only relevant for 2023 and may change in the future.
Year 11 results - examples
The following are examples of universities that use Year 11 results for early entry. They create a ‘selection rank’ based on your grades:
Australian Catholic University
ACU Guarantee
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt Advantage
La Trobe University
Year 11 Conditional Offer
www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire
University of Wollongong
Early Admission
Australia National University
Direct entry
Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)
This is an umbrella program that covers several institutes in NSW and Canberra.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE - FINE ARTS AND MUSIC
Stay up to date with the latest happenings at The University of Melbourne Faculty of Fine Arts and Music and learn about the work of researchers, artists, performers, and production specialists, https://bit.ly/3R0rrKS
UNIVERSITY VERSUS APPRENTICESHIPS
RILEY PAYNE’S STORY
University or apprenticeship? Degree or trade qualification? Both take roughly the same time to complete and are completely different styles of learning. If you enjoy hands on learning, gaining an income whilst gaining a qualification, and don’t want to sit in a classroom each day, you could consider an apprenticeship.
Not only will you be debt free after 3 – 4 years, you will have a nationally recognised qualification, be able to work in your trade area anywhere in Australia and in most cases, be able go straight into full time paid employment in your industry.
Meet Riley Payne. He completed the VCE with a strong ATAR. He had planned to go to university to study engineering, but when he really analysed his passions and learning style, he decided to pursue an apprenticeship.
“Originally, I was considering going to university to study Aerospace Engineering, as I am passionate about aviation and design. There are a few reasons why I opted to head down the trade pathway even after being accepted into my university course.
Learning Style
I am a practical person and I love hands on learning, building construction etc. University would provide me with a great theoretical side to what I wanted to know, but it greatly lacked my preferred hands-on learning style.
Time
The university course that I was considering is a four-year course as most engineering courses are. Generally, apprenticeships have a similar duration of four years, however the accelerated apprenticeship initiative works on competency-based progression. This means that if you can complete your TAFE and if your employer deems you competent then you can theoretically accelerate through the apprenticeship much quicker than the standard four years. As I had a lot of practical experience growing up, I thought this could be very beneficial.
Money
Although apprentice wages may be low initially, they quickly increase as your skills and apprenticeship status change. The possibility of earning money outside of work through your skills may also be an option for some apprentices. When comparing to a university course where you are paying to learn or acquiring a HECS debt, getting paid to learn even if it is a low rate is much more appealing.
Completing a trade gives you many more financial options and the possibility to invest if you are disciplined. Qualified tradespeople also have the opportunity to make quite reasonable yearly salaries in many instances.
Skilled workers shortage
With an ageing workforce, skilled workers will be in high demand in the coming years. With more students than ever opting to head to university instead of taking on a trade it means that job availability should be good for the foreseeable future. This gives me some sense of security in knowing that I should be able to fall back on my trade if I have to.
Getting to where I wanted to be
As I mentioned at the start I am interested in aviation and design as well as many other mechanical subjects. University would have provided me with a set syllabus and strict requirements which would be fantastic for the specific jobs that it is designed for, however I wanted a more personalised pathway that would allow me to learn what I was truly interested in.
The fact that each year of university consists of roughly three months holidays may be enticing to some, but it seemed pointless to me and showed that the course could be completed in a far more condensed time frame.
Basically, I decided that anything I couldn’t learn through my apprenticeship I would be able to find the resources to self-teach meaning I was learning exactly what I wanted to.”
AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIPS WEBSITE
This website contains fantastic resources for young people interested in pursuing a professional trade or traineeship. Some of the resources include:
- How to find and contact local apprenticeship specialists in your area
- Information on financial incentives
- Apprenticeship preparation checklist
- Information on how to find and apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship.
To explore the website, go to www.apprenticeships.gov.au
PREPARE FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP
What to do while you are still at school
Work Experience
You can complete up to 40 days of work experience per year once you turn 15.
Be resourceful
Speak to your career adviser, parents, teachers, family friends, people in industry, everyone! Get their advice, use their knowledge and make up your own mind.
Vocational Major
Consider studying the Victorian Certificate of Education (Vocational Major) and/or one or two VET subjects
Subjects
Find out what subjects you will need for your future trade i.e., Mathematics, Physics, Science.
SBAT
Consider starting a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) in an area of interest- this will cut the time it will take to complete your qualification once you leave school.
Talk to past students
Talk to past students of your school who are working in occupations you are interested in.
They will give you a picture of what working in the industry is like, how they got into their course or secured their apprenticeship/ traineeship and will be able to give you great advice.
UPCOMING CAREER EVENTS
SAE CREATIVE MEDIA INSTITUTE
SAE offers Bachelor, Associate Degree and Diploma programs in:
Animation and gaming
Audio
Design
Film
Music.
The Institute is running an information evening for prospective students on Thursday 18 January between 6pm – 8pm. For information and to register your attendance, visit https://sae.edu.au/event
SANTOS SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
The University of Melbourne is running an exciting 3-day program at the Dookie campus between 29 November – 1 December 2023 for Year 9 and 10 students. Dookie campus is a working farm - a centre of agricultural research and teaching.
You will join scientists and agricultural student mentors in hands on activities in the laboratory and paddock investigating real world issues.
There are 7 places left and accommodation is available at an additional cost. Book your place via www.scienceexperience.com.au
ENDOTA WELLNESS COLLEGE
Endota Wellness College is located in Melbourne and offers courses in Beauty, Massage, and Salon Management. An open day will be run on Saturday 9 December for prospective students. For information, visit https://endotawellnesscollege.edu.au/
The Careers Team
Careers Leader – Natasha Boyko
Neighbourhood 1 Biyala – Susan Barr
Neighbourhood 2 Dharnya – Graeme Crosbie
Neighbourhood 3 Bayuna – Dan Watson
Partnerships Manager – Mary-Ann Linehan
Industry Engagement Priority Cohorts Coordinator – Colleen Wilkinson