Careers & Pathways News

Here’s what’s happening in CAREERS

Mock Interviews Year 11 Vocational Major students

Thanks to Mr Travis McIntosh, Mr. Gary Bottomley and Mrs Jane Jamieson from HeadStart our Year 11 Vocational Major students studying Work Related Skills recently attended Mock Interviews at The Westall Hub. 

They were interviewed by panels kindly provided by Karen Vergara, Strategic Engagement Practitioner - Settlement, Inclusion and Prevention from South East Community Links and local employers who kindly volunteered their time that Ms. Geraldine from Careers was able to request at short notice.   

Each student was asked a range of questions designed to tap into their knowledge, skills, abilities and preparedness in being interviewed for a job.   

Focus areas: Interview skills, confidence, communication skills

Date & Time:  17th October 2023, Tuesday (1:45-3:15)

Students: 30

Interviewers: 10

Feedback from Jim Guy on the Interviews and our students

"Hello Geraldine, 

Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the Mock interviews which you arranged at Westall Library.

It has been a while since I’ve taken part in such an exercise but the preparatory notes and the sample questions which were kindly provided made it so much easier. Thank you.

I am very happy to have taken part in a very small way to assist your students in finding employment and may I say, how impressive some of your students are.

There was one student in particular, whom I believe you have already placed with Reece Plumbing, who really shone. 

Prepared, researched and extremely confident.

No doubt thanks to your good work and tutoring and patience.

Congratulations."

Regards, Jim Guy. 

City of Kingston -Library

LIBRARY INFORMATION SPECIALIST - COLLECTIONS  | ARTS, EVENTS & LIBRARIES

Feedback from Helen Rabot from SELLEN on the Interviews and our students

"Hi Geraldine, 

You are most welcome! I was more than happy to participate in the Mock Interviews on Tuesday afternoon. It was such a joy to spend some time with your students and learn about their achievements and career aspirations.

They all had interesting stories, and I was very impressed with how they prepared for, and performed, in their interviews. 

I’m happy to help anytime and would love to participate in future Mock Interview sessions as they arise. Take care. "

Kind regards,  

Helen Rabot

School to Work Project Officer

Moving on to our VET programs 

We are looking forward to working with IVET and Mrs Lee Read in VET Cookery and Mr. Travis McIntosh and Savile in VET Sport and Recreation and AGA for VET Building and Construction – Carpentry – new program at Westall. 

We will have 100 students doing various VET programs in Years 11 and 12 both VCE and Vocational Programs.  Thank you to students and parents for completing their VET enrolment forms.

  BPA Koorie Pathways and Careers Expo – Excursion for Indigenous students

On 23rd October 2023 our Indigenous students attended the Koorie Pathways and Careers Expo at the new Centre for Higher Education Studies in South Yarra.

After a smoking ceremony and a heartfelt speech, the participants were treated to a presentation by the inimitable and charismatic Glenn Manton, who spoke about the importance of goals and authenticity. Quietly spoken AFL (Hawthorn) player Jarman Impey then shared inspiring personal anecdotes about his life journey so far.

Students explored exhibitor booths and educational workshops provided by a range of universities and industry guests. It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with mentors and peers, to build connections and gain a deeper understanding of their future possibilities.

Westall provided the template for passports which students utilised to talk to exhibitors and win prize. (Thanks to Miss Collins for this passport.)

Interactive displays and dozens of freebies and prizes, as well as a delicious lunch topped off an enjoyable and informative day. 

Sue Parlanti (Inclusion Specialist) & Geraldine Borgonha (Careers Advisor)

Big Thanks

I take this opportunity to thank South East Community Links, Simon Nashed at Roof Tile Careers, Karen Vergara and IBY volunteers, Andrew Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Bec Young, Nadia Conn and members from South East LLEN – Helen Rabot, Kanooka Child Care Centre for all their support during this term. 

Working with staff at the Westall HUB – Jim Guy for Mock Interviews needs a special mention too, as does Kha Nyugen from Sammy’s CAFÉ at Monash University.

Supporting Mr. Travis McIntosh, Vocational Major Co-ordinator, Mr. Bottomley, Ms Lee Read, Miss Donna Yuen and Mr. Nick Smith with our Vocational Major students completing their Structured work placements, VET programs and School based apprenticeships has continued to be a high priority this term with our Vocational Major students doing their Structured work placements from 20th to 24th November 2023 in industries where they will be undertaking VET in 2024 .

Sincere thanks to Mrs Parlanti and her friendly team, and Mrs Vicky, Ms Barb and Mrs Kim for all their support.

Ms Geraldine Borgonha

Careers & Pathways Advisor

Current Opportunities 

For any students interested in a aviation, below is a flyer and link to enrol into a course.