Careers & Pathways!

Hello from the Pathways team!

Everyone welcome!

We encourage all students to visit the Careers-Pathways Team at BSC! 

We have an appointment book just outside each office in the Malgobila and Wurrin Hubs. 

Our office hours are:

Upcoming Career Events:.

• ATAR Results Released: 11th December 2023 (7.00 am)
• VTAC Change of preferences (COP): 13th December 2023 (4.00 pm)

Please contact Careers via 5150 4800 or  malgobila@bairnsdalesc.vic.edu.auif you require support with the VTAC COP process.  

Keep an eye on your emails and Compass newsfeeds for updates on VTAC processes.

Work Experience (WE)/Structured Workplace learning (SWL)/School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (SBAT)

Please note: Work Experience is now closed for new applications in 2023. 

New applications open in Term 1 2024.

Work Experience is available to students that are 15 years old+. Please drop into either Hub for further information.

SWL is available to students doing a VET Course in their VCE/VM Pathway. See the Work Placement Programs advisor.

SBAT’s are available to Year 10 -12 students through our Headstart Program (Aaron Patton) by application and availability only. 

Contact: Jaclyn Powell (Year 9 WE) Jaclyn.Powell@education.vic.gov.au

Angela Wren (Year 10-12 WE/SWL or SBAT’s) Angela.Wren@education.vic.gov.au

Prepare for Work Experience by:

• Dropping into the Pathways Hubs for further information.
• Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Complete Employer Information Form
• Career Action Plan (CAP)
• Safe@Work Certificates
• Obtain White Card* (If required – Building Industry placements)

Work Experience Opportunities

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) - Work Experience (2024 year 10-12 students, 15+)

The AIE Work Experience Program is a great way for secondary school students in years 10 to 12 to learn about the interactive entertainment and digital industries. The week will open the door to the range of career possibilities in the industry and allow students to get hands-on with the tools of the trade.

The Work Experience Program runs from 10am to 4pm over the course of a week and encompasses a range of activities including 3D animation, programming, designing and much more.

To register your interest now please fill out the form on the following link - Work Experience Melbourne | Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)

Please ensure you have considered the travel time and distance to and from your home to Melbourne BEFORE you register your interest. 

Parliament Of Victoria: Work Experience Expression Of Interest 2024 (15+)

Expressions of interest to complete a work experience placement at the Parliament of Victoria in terms 1 and 2, 2024 are now open. Students can choose between 2 programs, Sitting and Services. Parliamentary Sitting placements provide the opportunity to see the law-making process up close. Students will go behind the scenes with the staff who directly support Parliament sittings, to get a deeper understanding of our democratic processes. Parliamentary Services placements offer a variety of opportunities that can be matched with a broad range of student interests and career goals, including business management, facilities management and maintenance, community engagement and broadcasting, and hospitality. Placements are open to students who are 15 years or over at the time of the placement. 

If you are interested, please visit https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/teach-and-learn/work-experience/ to lodge an expression of interest, and let the careers team know. Expressions of interest will close at 5:00pm on Friday 12 January. Interested students will be notified of the outcome of their expression of interest no later than Friday 2nd February.

Please ensure you have considered the travel time and distance to and from your home to Melbourne BEFORE you apply for a placement. 

Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary - Work Experience (2024 Year 9 & 10 students,15+)

Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary offers engaging Work Experience placements for students in Year 9 and Year 10. Their Work Experience Program is designed to foster new skills in young people, create an awareness and appreciation of the conservation and biodiversity management industry and demonstrate the breadth of career opportunities in environmental science, research and education.

Successful applicants may assist in the following areas of the Sanctuary:

• land management
• plant production
• education
• biodiversity
• marketing, promotion & interpretation
• office & administration
• workshops & tours

The Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary cannot offer any opportunities to work with animals. 

Work Experience placements run for one week from Monday to Friday on pre-selected dates throughout the year. Normal working hours are from 9.30 am until 4.00 pm. As part of your placement, you will be required to undertake some structured learning activities.

There are 4 places available for each of the placement weeks. A maximum of two students can come from the same school for the same placement week.

These dates are subject to change based on other Sanctuary activities happening at the time. 

Please ensure you have considered the travel time and distance to and from your home to Bundoora BEFORE you apply for a placement. Please let careers know if you will be applying.  

More info and how to apply here - Secondary school students, Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, Get involved, La Trobe University

Swinburne University - Work Experience (2024 Year 9 & 10 students, 15+)

Swinburne welcomes students in year 9 and 10 to participate in work experience at the university. These one-week placements give students the opportunity to:

• develop employability skills
• explore possible career options
• understand employer expectations
• build self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence.

Their work experience programs run in the following areas: Applied Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, or Biotechnology and Biochemistry.

Applications for their next intake of work experience programs will open in January 2024. They encourage early applications as there are limited places, and places are usually filled by March.  

For more info go to Work Experience | Swinburne 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) - Work Experience 2024 (15+)

MSO Work Experience offers students an opportunity for meaningful, well-rounded engagement with MSO as a major performing arts company, as well as the arts sector more broadly.

Placements are run in a group format, with a strong focus on arts administration. During their time with the MSO, students will have the opportunity to meet with musicians and staff, mix with MSO’s industry-leading artistic planning team, observe orchestral rehearsals and explore Melbourne’s arts precinct.

Most of all, students will come away from their placement with a broad understanding of the role played by the MSO – as a cornerstone of Melbourne’s rich cultural heritage – in the Victorian and Australian performing arts industries.

How to apply: MSO welcome applications by all students attending Secondary School in Victoria aged 15 years+ as of the placement date. The MSO can accept up to 30 students per placement and will hold two placements which run for three days:

• Tuesday 25 June to Thursday 27 June 2024, 10.00 am-4.00 pm or
• Tuesday 27 August to Thursday 29 August 2024, 10.00 am-4.00 pm

Applications open Monday 29 January 2024. For more info go to Work experience | Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (mso.com.au)

Victorian Opera - Work Experience (2024 year 10 students, 15+)

Applications for Victorian Opera’s 2024 Work Experience Program will open Monday 12 February (Week 3, Term 1), and close Friday 19 April 2024, 5.00pm, unless places are filled prior to this date. Their Work Experience Program gives Year 10 students the chance to work with other like-minded students whilst being mentored by leading professionals in the performing arts industry. At the conclusion of the week, students present their own production plan to the Company Executive, covering design, direction, company management and budget.

The 2024 Work Experience Program will run from Monday 22 July to Friday 26 July (Week 2, Term 3), coinciding with the last week of studio rehearsals of our Grand Lyric Opera, La Rondine by Puccini.

For more information and how to apply, go to https://www.victorianopera.com.au/learning-pathways/education/secondary-schools/work-experience/

University of Melbourne (Faculty of Science) - Work Experience (2024 year 10 students, 15+)

Program Structure

The University of Melbourne year 10 Work Experience Program provides students with a sample of activities that are part of a career in STEM including conducting experiments, attending seminars, collaborating with others on research projects, and presenting their own findings. Participants discover what it is like to be a scientist, meet like-minded friends and scientific role models, and also get a taste of university life.

The program is divided into a number of science discipline streams. Students must nominate their top three preferences as part of the application process. During the week, students will be hosted by academics working in their chosen discipline, and also spend some time interacting with students from other groups.

Dates and program streams to be confirmed. Applications open early January. For more info go to Year 10 Work Experience (unimelb.edu.au)

Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) - Work Experience (2024 year 10 students, 15+)

This program gives successful applicants the opportunity to gain experience working in the arts and culture industry.

As part of the program, students will spend a working week onsite at ACMI, engaging with various ACMI teams members and departments, whilst embarking on a filmmaking task.

ACMI is an inclusive and accessible organisation. 

Applications for the 2024 work experience program open in February, please check back here and/or Compass in future for further details.

Focus on sport, early entry and pathways

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,

www.richmondinstitute.com.au

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 2024

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/

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Now is a great time to be searching for your dream apprenticeship/traineeship!

There are many positions available for enthusiastic young people who are keen to work hard, earn while you learn, and obtain a portable qualification. 

Get specialised support

Register with local Group Training Organisations (GTOs) and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers. Staff from these organisations are highly skilled and can assist you through all stages of finding, securing, and undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship. Search for organisations via www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

Compass Newsfeeds

Student communication about careers and opportunities are updated weekly via the Compass newsfeed pages.

Career events, excursions, apprenticeship/traineeship opportunities, guest speakers, are shared with students via these alerts, so please keep an eye out for the latest opportunities.

Careers website

Bairnsdale Secondary College (bairnsdalesccareers.com)

Students and families have access to a variety of career resources and information via our designated careers website. Students can use career targets in the Students to help them identify career interests.

The Pathways Team looks forward to seeing you soon!