Pathways and Transition

To book an appointment with Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition, use THIS LINK.

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

• For families
• Headspace Work and Study Program
• Pathways and Transition at John XXIII College
• Defence Force events
• University news
• Scholarships
• Year 10 Opportunities
• VETDSS courses 
• Medicine News
• Gap year resources
• Job Opportunities
• Training and VET news
• Senior school opportunities
• People with a disability news
• Spotlight: University Terms

FOR FAMILIES

Free myfuture webinars for parents and carers

Where do young people go for career information?

Thursday 30 November, 1:00pm (AEDT)

Where do young people look for information about careers? Monash University researchers recently set out to find the answer to this question, analysing what sources of career information young people use and which ones they are most confident in. Their findings describe a broad range of sources that complement one another in a 'careers information ecology', as well as how much young people trust each source, noting the crucial role that parents and carers play in providing trusted career information.

Based on the new myfuture Insights paper 'Thinking in a joined-up way: the importance of the careers information ecology’, this webinar, presented by the authors Professor Steven Roberts and Dr Ben Lyall, will summarise their research findings and explain how you can support your young person to access and make sense of the information they need.

Register now 

Career conversations at results time: Support your young person’s wellbeing and help them plan their next steps

Tuesday 12 December 1:00pm (AEDT)

The end of the year can be an anxious time for senior secondary students as they await their exam results, and also an anxious time for parents! Some will celebrate, some will be disappointed, and many will just be uncertain about what it all means.

Join us as Dr Michael Healy shares practical tips on how parents and carers, teachers, friends, and others can support young people to understand their results and plan their next steps accordingly. Learn how to help your young person recognise and manage their emotions at results time (both positive and negative), discover post-school pathway options for them to consider, and how they can make good career decisions and approach the next chapter of their journey with confidence.

Register now

Parents Helping Parents - My Kids Career

The Australian Parents Council has created MyKidsCareer to help parents to support their students. 

Career Conversations

Career Conversations is a great initiative by the Education Department WA, designed to help families understand the opportunities that are open to school leavers. 

Information about Career Conversations to support young people in WA, including downloadable PDFs, can be found here.

Headspace Work and Study Program

Headspace has developed a new Work and Study program offering the following:

• One-on-one vocational support with a Careers Advisor (Specialist) for young people aged 15 to 25.
• Young people can connect via phone, webchat or video.
• Integrated team of clinicians
• Collaborative care and ongoing support between a young person’s center and the service
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people can elect to work with our First Nations team

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'.

DEFENCE FORCE EVENTS 

Information about Australian Defence Force Academy can be found here. Highlights from their recent open day are available to see here.

Check out this useful guide from the ADF. 

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

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Jesuit-affiliated student accommodation in Sydney

Open this flyer for more information.

Early University offers for 2024 (WA)

Key points:

• Each month there is another round of offers. Offer release dates can be found here
• Final early offer release date is Friday 8 December 2023
• After 8 December, students have up until Monday 18 December to submit a TISC application for a university place in 2024
• All students wishing to gain a place in a WA university in 2024 must submit a TISC application by Monday 18 December

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

30 November Curtin Portfolio Applications

Year 12 students must submit all supporting documentation for their portfolio applications by 30 November 2023 to be considered for the Main Round offers. Any documentation uploaded after this date will most likely be assessed for Second Round offers in January. learn more about Portfolio entry.

Curtin Connect Year 12 assistance

Curtin Connect will be open and available throughout the December holiday period to provide year 12 students with course advice or assistance with their TISC application. They will be open Monday - Friday from 8.30am - 4.30pm (Tuesday from 9.30am) but will be closed on regular public holidays.

Change to early offers for select Health courses

Whilst previously many Health Sciences courses were not included in Curtin's Early Offers Program, we are now implementing a reviewed offer process to enable us to send a limited number of early offers for the following competitive courses:

• Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
• Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours)

School Leaver applicants will be considered for Early Offers through the TISC system and offers will be based on their predicted ATAR.

For information about Important TISC Dates for 2023 go HERE.

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 Notre Dame.

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 that 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.

UWA 2024 Course Guide

The UWA Undergraduate Course Guide 2024 helps you to understand how to get the most value from doing their undergraduate degree. 

There is so much more available from doing a degree than doing your units online. 

Get your copy of the UWA Undergraduate Course Guide HERE. 

Apply now to live at UWA

Thinking about living on campus in 2024? Apply now as accommodation places are limited.

The recent demand on rental accommodation means a lot more students are choosing to live in a residential college.

If you’re interested in finding out more about living on campus, come take a tour! You can book your tour online at any of our colleges:

• St Catherine’s College
• St George’s College
• St Thomas More College
• Trinity Residential College
• University Hall

If you have any questions, contact residentialcolleges@uwa.edu.au .

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.

Experience-based 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.

New Courses at UWA

We have an exciting range of new courses on offer for 2023. To meet the growing demand for skills that address today’s shifting economic, social and technological landscapes, we're expanding our internationally recognised degrees. 

ECU Undergraduate Course Guide 2024

The ECU Undergraduate Course Guide not only provides information about courses. There is information about accommodation, life as a student, support services and international study opportunities. 

If you are considering going to ECU check out their course guide HERE. 

Study Medical Sonography at ECU 

ECU are pleased to announce the arrival of the Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science for 2024. 

Medical Sonographers are in high demand. To become an accredited Medical Sonographer, you must complete a degree that is recognised by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). 

ECU has obtained accreditation from ASAR for the Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations in Imaging Science and the Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography courses, which, together make up four years of study and include two consecutive years of clinical placements (minimum of 3 days per week). 

Open for applications via TISC for current Year 12 school leavers, please see the attached flyer for further information or register to attend our Future Student Information Expo on the 15 November.

15 November Future Student Information Expo

Our Information Expo will introduce you to our wide range of courses and the excellent support services you can expect as a student. We'll cover course admission pathways, how to apply, fees and scholarships and flexible study options like online or part-time. Bring family or friends and explore the campus and our great facilities.

6 – 7.30pm Joondalup Campus. Find details 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.

Murdoch Undergraduate Mini Course Guide 2024

Murdoch calls its publication an Undergraduate Mini Course Guide, but it delivers all the essential information that potential students need. 

You can find the Murdoch Undergraduate Mini Course Guide HERE. 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Gallipoli Scholarship

Valued at $6,000, the Gallipoli Scholarship is open to the direct descendants of any service manor woman who has served in the Australian or New Zealand Defence Force in a conflict or peacekeeping operation, since the First World War to the present day.

The Scholarship selection process is based 60% on necessitous circumstances, and 40% on academic merit.  

Applications open on 1 January and close on 28 February each year.

All applicants are notified of their selection, or otherwise, by the end of March each year. Applications are submitted online via the website and require a number of documents to support the application.

Find out more at Gallipoli Scholarship. 

Doxa Cadetship Program

Our Cadetship program supports talented young people facing challenging life circumstances to complete university and gain the skills needed for an employable future.

The Cadetship program is open to Year 12 students transitioning to university and is a three to five-year program, dependent on the length of the degree and the sponsorship model.

The Cadetship program is open to young people facing challenging life circumstances who have finished high school and are about to go to university.  This may include, but is not restricted to:

• Experiencing financial hardship,
• Having an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage,
• Coming from a newly arrived migrant or refugee background,
• Having faced stressful life events,
• Coming from a rural or remote area and
• Being the first in their family to have the opportunity to study at university and pursue a professional career.

The cadetship programme provides young people with:

• Practical and personal support during their university course,
• The opportunity to connect with peers and industry professionals through work placement and social events and
• Personal development and training opportunities to enhance their employability.

For more information, download the Brochure, or visit Cadetship - Doxa Youth Foundation. 

Tuckwell Scholarship for 2025

Australian National University (ANU) launched the Tuckwell Scholarship Program in 2013.  The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia.  A Tuckwell is not just about a students’ intellect.  It is also about their desire and determination to use their natural abilities to realise their full potential so that they can make a difference in the world.  All up one could say, this is no ordinary scholarship!

Scholarships are awarded based on four criteria:

• academic potential and achievements to date;
• other significant achievements to date, of any type;
• demonstration of the Attributes of a Tuckwell Scholar; and
• a desire to eventually give back to Australia.

Applications will open in March 2024.  For more information browse Tuckwell Scholarship. 

McIntosh Memorial Scholarship 

The McIntosh Memorial Scholarship is $5,000 for any type of tertiary education with eligibility for descendants of RAAF or Commonwealth Air Forces service people. No age limits apply.

Closing date is 30 Nov 2023. Open the flyer for more information.

Future Student Scholarships for 2023

If you are going to university in Western Australia in 2023, PLEASE check out scholarships. Some are for academic superstars, but not all of them. 

Curtin Future Student Scholarships

UWA Future Student Scholarships

Notre Dame Future Student Scholarships

ECU Future Student Scholarships

Murdoch University Future Student Scholarships

Good Universities Guide Scholarships

Scholarships for secondary teaching degrees in VIC

The Victorian Government is investing more than $93.2 million to deliver scholarships to support secondary teaching degree students with the cost of studying and living. Eligibility criteria applies. Check here for more details.

Merit-based scholarships 2024

Browse this 55-page resource listing merit-based scholarships around Australia.

Scholarships to study in regional Australia

If you find an opportunity that you would like to take up in regional Australia, you can apply for up to $15,000 to study in regional Australia. This is available to domestic and international students.

Find details HERE.

Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships

We partner with universities, Westpac, and the community to invest in the individuals with the ideas and drive to shape Australia. 

Westpac offers the Young Technologists Scholarship which is designed specifically for high school graduates who are passionate about studies in STEM and are eager to explore its potential for good. Recipients receive $20,000 over three years to really inspire their thinking but are also assisted in developing into a strong leader through the Disruptive Leaders Program, which includes five days in Asia as part of an international learning experience (pending no travel restrictions).  Recipients of this scholarship also have access to paid internships and inspiring mentors.  Best of all, they become a lifelong member of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network: an inclusive group of some of the brightest young minds in Australia.

The Westpac Young Technologist Scholarship program is offered at the following universities: 

• Murdoch University
• Queensland University of Technology 
• RMIT 
• Western Sydney University 
• University of Wollongong 

Applications open in September 2023 and close in January 2024.  Students are urged to browse Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship to find out more.

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. 

Veterans Scholarships Open 

These schoarships are for children and grandchildren of ex-service veterans. 

If you are planning to enrol in TAFE or uni in 2024 you may be eligible for a Veterans Scholarship. 

Check your eligibility HERE.

Health Industry Scholarships and Grants

Information about scholarships and grants for medical and allied industries is collated on this page. 

Women in Defence Industry Scholarship – Last intake February 2024

Fully funded scholarship places will be available for women who have just finished school. 

At the SkillsWest Expo I was told that the 2024 scholarship will be the final Women in Defence Industry offered. 

Students will be able to study two qualifications at the same time over six months:

• Certificate II Electronics
• Certificate III Engineering – Technical. 

Details will be published HERE.

Student Pathways into Defence Careers

There are a range of pathways and scholarships available for students who want to go into the defence forces. 

Find out about the various pathways into defence jobs 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.

YEAR 10 OPPORTUNITIES

Universities Admission Guide for Year 10s

Parents, teachers and career practitioners will be using the TISC Guide 2026 to make sure you are taking subjects in the right categories. 

It includes information about prerequisites for each university course. 

If you would like to check the Guide you can download a free copy HERE.

Curtin Year 10 Guide

Curtin has recently updated its Year 10 Guide. This guide includes prerequisite and desirable ATAR subjects for students to complete for university entry in 2026. 

View the updated Year 10 Guide today.

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. 

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 and Dental Matrices 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

Study and GAP Years in Canada

Canada’s college and university degrees are recognized worldwide.   Students will be able to enjoy our renowned quality of life, as well as diverse and inclusive environment.  Those particularly interested in film/TV, gaming, AI, cleantech and tech industries will be able to benefit from our world-class training and job opportunities. 

Find out more at www.educanada.ca.

Students keen on learning more about studying or working in Canada, are invited to register to participate in a webinar hosted by the Consulate General of Canada. 

Date:                     Tuesday 14 November 2023

Time:                    6.00pm – 7.00pm

Rotary Youth Exchange Applications for 2025 Close March

Senior school students have the opportunity to go overseas to study as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange. The Exchange Student program is a life changing experience. 

Year 10 students interested in the Rotary Youth Exchange program should check out the website HERE or the Facebook page HERE. 

Let’s Live Gap Year resources and opportunities 

Check the Let’s Live opportunities on offer here

CCUSA Camp Counselor 2024 Applications Now Open!

Summer camps in the USA are a tradition dating back over 100 years. Every year almost 300 Western Australians head to the USA between June and August to work as camp counsellors.

Aussies are WANTED to work at American Summer Camps across the USA in 2024! Ditch the Aussie winter and spend the US summer in America living and working as a camp counsellor and enjoying back-to-back summers. If you have an interest in working at an American summer camp, then CCUSA would love to help get them to get placed at the job of your dreams during the Aussie Winter.

CCUSA has placed 100% of accepted applicants for the last 35 years with hopes to continue to do so. These are open to those who are 18 and over by 1 June of each year. The program runs from June to September (Northern Hemisphere summer). Aussies are always in high demand to work as camp counsellors/leaders at the 1000+ camps that CCUSA work with across the USA and Canada. This program can be done, before, during or after Uni/TAFE/College.

Participants in the CCUSA Program, receive free accommodation and three meals a day, visa sponsorship, 24-hour emergency support and approximately $2000 US pocket money.

Camp is a wonderful opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment with staff attending from around 50 different countries. Working or volunteering overseas is also useful in guiding students in personal growth, leadership, professional development, and work-related skills and deciding on a study or career path.

• CLICK HERE for the electronic brochure for Camp Counselors USA program.
• CLICK HERE for the electronic brochure for Camp Counselors Canada program.

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Job Boards

Here are three websites that offer job boards, featuring jobs especially suited to school leavers or early career individuals, looking for a full-time opportunity. There are also some casual and part-time opportunities listed. Some of these opportunities are traineeships and apprenticeships. Make sure to use the filters to narrow down the location etc.

• https://www.skilledjobswa.com/
• https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/jobs-and-skills-centres/jobs-board
• https://www.megt.com.au/job-board

Cyber Security Microsoft Traineeships

If you are interested in starting an IT Traineeship, MEGT has Microsoft Traineeships advertised HERE. 

Peddle

Peddle Make money over summer as you meet new people.

Electro/Data Communication Apprenticeship

Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications. The trainee would work full time for the company, while undertaking the Certificate III for a period of two years.   Various other training courses are undertaken throughout this period as the nature of the business means that technicians are constantly carrying out safety inductions and other specific courses relevant to different jobs.

Contact:

Kristin Serra

HR Administrator

Pathfinder Technology Group Pty Ltd

M 0404 882 515  W pathfindertg.com.au 

Welding Apprentice

Hairdressing Apprentice

Bangs Hair Salon 45 Murry Street, West Perth

Contact Troy Naylor 0407 776 742

Print Finishing Apprentices

APPRENTICES - 2 x Print Finishing 

https://www.seek.com.au/job/69565451?tracking=SHR-WEB-SharedJob-anz-1

Ben Brennan

Account Manager, Scotts 4 Aberdeen Street, Perth WA 6000

08 9223 7788 | Ben@scott.com.au 

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

SMTAFE Guide: Tips on how to get an apprenticeship or traineeship 

South Metro TAFE has put together a four-part guide to help you on your career path. You can find:

• Part 1 How to become an apprentice 
• Part 2 Enlist the help of professionals
• Part 3 Work experience or volunteering
• Part 4 Building relationships

Hofmann Engineering Fitter/Machinist Apprentice Intake Open

Hofmann Engineering is a world class specialist engineering company that started in Western Australia. You can read about them HERE. 

Their training and care for their staff is first class.

You can apply for a Hofmann Engineering apprenticeship HERE.

Bricklaying Job Ready Program

TAFE Admissions Open for 2024

Applications for TAFE courses for 2024 open on September 1. 

Go HERE and fill out your application. 

Offers

Round 1 offers for competitive courses will be issued in early January 2022.

Round 2 offers competitive courses will be made later in January 2022.

Offers will be available online at tasonline.tafe.wa.edu.au and will be emailed.

Go to your local TAFE College for local details: 

• North Metro TAFE
• South Metro TAFE
• North Regional TAFE
• South Regional TAFE
• Central Regional TAFE

 The Jobs & Skills Centres can assist school leavers in applying for 2024 VET programs.

For more information, download the TAFE admissions guide for entry to full time courses for entry to full time courses.

Hints on how to apply for TAFE in 2024

Not sure what level to apply for?

Want to know alternative pathways? Check This is how to apply for TAFE 2024.

Apprenticeship Guide from CCIWA

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA is currently working on the new issue of the Apprenticeship Guide. The current issue has a lot of opportunities that are CURRENTLY OPEN.

Check Apprenticeship & Traineeship Intake Guide - Apprenticeship Support Australia - WA (cciwa.com)

 Additional resources from CCIWA: 

Students/Jobseekers

The link to view the free jobseeker/candidate services Gateway and Recruitment Team offer: Apprentice / Trainee - Apprenticeship Support Australia - WA (cciwa.com)

The team offer over the phone and in person career consultations focused on but not limited to

• Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway advice
• Job readiness assessments
• CV advice
• Interview Preparation can be booked via Careers & Recruitment (office365.com)

SEDA Sport, Business and Leadership Diploma Programs

SEDA partners with The Fremantle Docker and The Perth Wildcats to offer diploma level qualifications. Click the flyers to learn more. 

Sport Aquatics & Recreation Traineeships

Traineeship available in Cert III or IV in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation. 

2023 WA Apprenticeship and Traineeship Intake Guide

The new Guide is out for 2023. 

It is a great resource for students, parents, teachers and career advisors. 

You can find it HERE. 

Thanks to Georgie Mitchell, CCI Mentor for Women in Trades, for sending through the link. 

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.

Discounted Driving Lessons for Pre-Apprentices

This is part of a new Drivers Licence Support Program which removes 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.

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. 

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

Webinar on study in the USA

Study in the USA - September 2023 General Information Session

EducationUSA is a US government Department of State office and in Australia offices are located at U.S. Consulates in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. 

Free ECU Movie Night Wednesday 6 December  

For Years 10-12 students- see flyer to register.

Summer School @ WAAPA

The WA Academy of Performing Arts Summer School offers intense, creative training for students in Years 7 to 12. 

2024 Summer School courses

• Acting for Camera
• Acting Up
• Dance Squad
• Improvise for a Day!
• Jazz Summer School
• Music Theatre Kickstarter
• Tell Your Story - (For CALD Students)

Check details HERE. 

18 November Curtin Astrofest

Astrofest is the largest astronomy festival in Australia. It has won awards for science engagement. 

• Hear local scientists and researchers talk about their work. 
• Find out about career opportunities in astronomy in WA. 

Check out the astrophotography exhibition. 

Breakthrough Music Competition Rockingham for 12 – 24 year olds

Entries are open for the Breakthrough Music Competition which is run by Rockingham Council.

Divisions

• Senior Division (ages 17-24, or intermediate to advanced performers)
• Junior Division (ages 12-16, or beginner performers)
• Band Division (ages 12-24)

Find details and enter HERE. 

Level Up Career Coaching and Resume Clinic - Rockingham

People aged 12 – 24 can get free one on one support to develop their career plan, improve their interview skills and prepare a job application.

Check details HERE. 

Girls Engineering Forum | 24 November 2023 

Year 9 & 10 students and their teachers are invited to attend the Girls+ Engineering Tomorrow Forum. This FREE opportunity connects girls with a passion for STEM and showcases engineering through a 1-day experience at Curtin.

Over the day, students will participate in engaging workshops, meet university and industry role models, and hear from our Women in Engineering Panel as they explore the diverse and exciting pathways available in engineering.

Register HERE.

Resume Templates

It’s tricky to write an application if you have never had a job. The Victorian government provides templates to follow at Youth Central which make your applications look good. 

Check out the tips and guides HERE. 

Police Cadet Opportunities Open 

If you are nearly 17 and interested in a police cadetship, check out the details HERE.

Applicants must be 17 upon selection to the Cadet school. 

Find details of the recruitment process HERE. 

School Leavers Information Kit

Whether you want to do more study, take a gap year or start work straight away, there are resources to support you in the School Leavers Information Kit. 

To find all the resources go 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. 

Year 12 Information Handbooks

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) is responsible for West Australian education standards and reporting.

Each year it puts out two booklets to help Year 12s. 

Part I Information for Students

This information from the SCSA identifies:

• key dates that are important for you this year 

• what is involved in the WA Statement of Student Achievement and the WACE
• the student portal and the WACE Checker 
• equivalences and how they can count towards your WACE 
• school-based assessment and how it works. 

You can download a copy HERE.

Part II Examinations

Part II of the Year 12 Information Handbook focuses on examinations and is relevant to students sitting the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) course examinations.

It identifies key dates for exams and key information like what to do if you are sick during exams, how you are required to behave in exams and information about practical exams. 

You can find it 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. 

STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY NEWS

School of Special Education Needs: Medical and Mental Health

If you know a young person who is unable to fully participate in school due to medical or mental health issues, the School of Special Educational Needs: Medical and Mental Health,may be able to help. It offers specialized educational assistance to students attending primary and high schools who face challenges which may hinder their full participation in their current school programs. 

Check out the help that is available HERE.

CoderDojo@Curtin Autism Academy

The CoderDojo@Curtin is a fun, free volunteer-driven, computer programming (coding) club for young people. There is:

• a stream for students over 12 years old and 
• a stream for children interested in Curtin’s Autism Academy (AASQA).

Check out details HERE.

North Metro TAFE Accessibility  and Learning Support

Accessibility and Learning Support Coordinators work across all North Metro TAFE campuses to provide support for students with diagnosed disability, medical condition or mental health condition, whether temporary or permanent. This service is free, confidential, and optional.

Find details HERE.

Student Wellbeing Hub – Autism Resources

These resources are designed for students of all ages. There are resources for primary school students through to school leavers. 

There is a whole section called Get ready to learn

There are other resources linked to the page.

Services at ECU

Student Equity, Diversity and Disability Service is a free, confidential service for students with a disability and/or medical condition, either permanent or temporary and can help make uni life a better experience.

Support for apprentices with disability

The Melbourne Apprenticeship Disability Network (MADN) in partnership with the Australian Apprenticeship and Traineeship Information Service (AATIS) have released a series of 5 blogs to support those living with disability to understand Australian Apprenticeships. 

1. Part 1. Getting the most out of an apprenticeship or traineeship
2. Part 2. The benefits of doing an Australian Apprenticeship
3. Part 3. The way that parents, carers and allies can support careers transitions
4. Part 4. Support for Australian Apprentices with disability
5. Part 5. Choosing the right employer

View the article 

Curtin Portfolio Entry for Students with a Disability

Students who have a disability that is a barrier to undertaking mainstream entry pathways can explore Portfolio Entry at Curtin 

People with disability School Leavers Information Kit

There is a range of programs and support for people with disability of special education needs for life after school. 

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support

• Should I disclose my disability?
• Workplace adjustments
• Resources
• Pathways
• Parents and guardians
• Explore different journeys for school leavers
• Additional supporting resources
• Financial assistance

SPOTLIGHT 

Spotlight on University Terms

When students are looking into university study, they often come across words or terms they are unfamiliar with.  Here are a few of the more commonly used terms to help students understand what is being talked about.

Associated Degree – an associate degree is generally a two-year qualification that is made up of two-thirds of a bachelor’s degree and may be offered by both TAFEs and universities. Students often use this as a steppingstone to the full Bachelor Degree.

Assumed knowledge – refers to subjects the university recommends or prefers a student to have studied at school before starting the course.

ATAR – Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank – the figure used by UAC and VTAC to calculate the entrance ranking for a university course.

Bachelor’s degree – the award/qualification a student gains when they have completed studies in an undergraduate course, which takes between 3 or 4 years of full-time study.  This is the traditional starting point of a university qualification.

Bridging Course – an introductory course to help students achieve the preferred entry level to a degree, e.g., a bridging maths course for students who do not have the preferred maths but need it to access a course.

Census Date – the last day a student can withdraw from their university course and not owe fees.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) – a student’s enrolment in a university degree for which the Commonwealth government contributes towards the cost of that student’s education.

Credit – if a student has previously studied – perhaps at TAFE – and has Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), the student may be able to receive credit for a subject or subjects in their course.  Also often referred to as Advanced Standing.

Double degree – a student can choose to complete a double degree – this integrates studies in two degrees resulting in an award of two degrees, usually after a minimum of 4 years of study. Often also referred to as Combined Degrees.

Defer – a student may choose to delay starting their course. Deferring an offer of a place might mean delaying for 6, 12, 18 or 24 months.  Deferment ensures the student is guaranteed their place in their selected course.

Elective – a subject that is not core to the degree and is often from another faculty, e.g., a commerce student might choose psychology (from the Arts Faculty) as an elective.

Faculty – a department within a university devoted to a particular area of study – so, Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Science.

FEE-HELP – a loan scheme for domestic students used to pay all or part of an eligible student’s tuition fees for university courses but cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. A 20% loan fee applies. 

HECS-HELP – a loan scheme that assists domestic students with a CSP place to pay their contribution.  Students may choose to pay their fees upfront or choose to defer payment via the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

Honours – many Bachelor degrees offer a fourth year – called an Honours year.  The Honours year allows students to further focus on a particular an area of interest. The Honours year can either be integrated into a 4-year bachelor’s degree or be offered as a separate year after completion of a 3-year bachelor’s degree.

Lecture – a period of teaching given by a lecturer to a large group of students in a lecture theatre; can often be as many as 300 students in a lecture.

Major study – an area within a course that allows in-depth study in a particular field.  More than one major may be allowed in some courses.

Minor study – a grouping of subjects allowing a broader understanding of a few subjects, with less emphasis on in-depth study.

Prerequisite – a set of conditions – usually the completion of a subject – that must be met before enrollment in a subject or course is allowed. 

SA-HELP – SA‑HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay for all or part of their student services and amenities fees – so, non-academic fees.

Transcript – this is the university academic record each student receives, like a school report.

Tutorial – a period of teaching given to a small group of students – involving discussion and participation.

Undergraduate – a student studying at university for a first level degree, e.g., a bachelor’s degree.

VET Student Loans – a loan scheme for domestic students used to pay all or part of an eligible student’s tuition fees for TAFE courses but cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks.  A 20% loan fee may apply. 

Workplace learning – practical training in a workplace, such as internships or practical work experience.  This is a hands-on experience – some universities call it Industry Based Learning or Work Integrated Learning.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@cewa.edu.au