In focus: Pathways and Programs at Marist-Sion College
At Marist-Sion College the following summary outlines key details of programs at each year level:
- Year 7 and Year 8: Prescribed program incorporating Victorian Curriculum covering a range of learning areas and capabilities.
- Year 9: Program incorporating prescribed studies and two Year 9 electives per semester. Year 9s with an interest and passion for practical and hands-on learning, and possibly a Vocational program in Year 10 and beyond, are encouraged to find out more about the Year 9 Trade Pathways Program via the MSCW Course Guide. This opportunity will require an application.
- Year 10: Choose one of;
- Standard Program, including core studies and three semester length electives
- Vocational Preparation Program, including core studies, two semester length electives and a VET program
- Languages Program, including core studies, two semester length electives and Language – Japanese
- Accelerated Program, including core studies, two semester length electives and Unit 1 and 2 approved VCE study
- Accelerated/Languages Program, including core studies, Unit 1 and 2 approved VCE study and Language – Japanese
- Year 11 and 12: To achieve a senior certificate qualification is a minimum two-year commitment in which students can undertake;
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) which at MSCW involves twelve VCE Units at Unit 1 and Unit 2 level including 2 units of Religious Education studied in Year 11 and five Unit 3 and 4 subjects studied in Year 12, plus one unit of Religious Education if not taking Unit 3 and 4 Religion and Society.
- VCE with Acceleration, where eligible Year 11 students will study a Unit 3 and 4 subject in Year 11. In Year 12, Accelerated students can opt to study an additional Unit 3 and 4 subject or commence a Higher Education study (start uni course unit/s)
- VCE with a VET program, which involves replacing one VCE study with an approved Vocational Education and Training (VET) program.
- VCE with Vocational Major (VCE with VM) includes school based VCE VM units, a VET program and work placement.
Please note: Students interested in Acceleration or an Applied Learning Program are required to apply for a place in this program – date and details to be advised soon – keep an eye on the Weekly Career Notices.
Key resources to assist with decision making:
- Marist-Sion College Course Guide and linked resources including Course Information Presentations and relevant application forms. Students will be emailed the Acceleration, Year 10 Vocational Preparation and VCE VM applications forms later this term.
- VCAA website especially for information on VCE Studies, VCE with VM, Higher Education and Get VET and Where to Now Guide www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/
- VTAC website especially if interested in learning about Victorian tertiary courses and pre-requisites www.vtac.edu.au or Course Seeker if open to exploring tertiary options nationally www.courseseeker.edu.au
- My Skills website especially if interested in VET opportunities during and after school www.myskills.gov.au
- My Future website especially the Career Bullseye section if students have a particular subject that they enjoy www.myfuture.edu.au
- National Skills Commission Labour Market Insights website for general careers and pathways research https://labourmarketinsights.gov.au/
- Your Career for general careers and pathways research www.yourcareer.gov.au
- Year 9 – 12 students have access to Morrisby and should utilise this resource to aid decision making via the My Choices tab in their individual account www.morrisby.com (students can also provide Parent Access)
School Leavers and Current Year 12s may be interested in:
National Careers Institute School Leavers Kit and Information Service
To support young people as they prepare to leave school, the School Leavers Information Kit and the School Leavers Information Service provide tailored careers information to help young people understand their education, training and work pathways. More info https://yourcareer.gov.au/ or see the attached Factsheet.
What’s the Difference between an Apprenticeship and Traineeship?
Both apprenticeships and traineeships offer a structured pathway into a career of choice. However, there are three key differences – range of occupations, completion time and legal requirements.
Range of Occupations
While traineeships are available on a broad range of occupations, apprenticeships are offered on skilled trades only. For example, you can complete a traineeship in a diverse set of fields including:
- Business (e.g. business administration, marketing, accounting)
- Technology (e.g. information technology, telecommunications, digital media)
- Trades (e.g. plant operator, warehouse operation, hairdressing).
Apprenticeships are also offered across a broad range of industries, including:
- Building and construction (e.g. carpentry, bricklaying)
- Electrical (e.g. electrician, electrical fitter)
- Engineering fabrication (i.e. boiler maker/ welder)
- Engineering manufacturing (i.e. fitter and turner)
- Horticulture (e.g. parks and gardens)
- Plumbing (e.g. plumbing and gas fitting or drainage).
Completion Time
Apprenticeships are a full-time commitment and are awarded after a fixed period of time. For example, an Electrical Apprenticeship will generally take four years, however this can be shortened by up to 6 months, depending on circumstances. Traineeships can be full-time or part-time. Because traineeships are competency-based, completion is dependent on achieving and demonstrating a level of competency in all the required modules. In general, a traineeship is usually completed within one to two years, but it may take more or less time depending on the role, employee and number of hours worked. On the other hand, apprenticeships are awarded after a set timeframe, which for most trades, is four years.
Legal Requirements
When a student signs up for an apprenticeship, the level of commitment made by both themselves and their employer is different to a traineeship. As an apprentice, upon signing the contract, their employer is committing to employ the student for the full term of their apprenticeship – and if they sell the business while the apprentice is working towards completion, the new owner must continue with the training contract. After the probationary period is up (usually 90 days) the contract can be cancelled, but all parties (apprentice and employer) must agree.
As a trainee, the employer must keep the trainee on for the term of their traineeship, however, either party can cancel the contract before it’s complete (mutual agreement is not needed). In addition, if the business is sold, the new owners are not obliged to continue your employment.
Understand the Differences Before You Commit
Both apprenticeships and traineeships provide a fantastic way to learn on the job – and as an added bonus, you receive a recognise qualification and get paid for your work too! So, when weighing up the two, it is important to consider the field one wishes to pursue, how long they are ready to commit to it, and what the legal implications are.
Find out more at NECA Education - Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- Additional Apprenticeship and Traineeship Resources
Local BBLLLEN is hosting an Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Evening on Wednesday 15 June from 5.30 – 7.30pm. Register here
Australian Apprenticeship Pathways: You will be able to undertake apprenticeship aptitude tests, find local apprenticeship and group training centres, and learn about different trade occupations, www.aapathways.com.au/
Australian Apprenticeships Pathways has developed a fantastic 4-step process for students to follow when seeking an apprenticeship or traineeship, http://bit.ly/39yUYmQ
My Skills: You can search for and explore vocational courses across Australia, learn about in demand jobs and watch videos of young people who have completed vocational training, http://bit.ly/1D8uek7
The Traineeship Guide (attached): includes everything you need to know about traineeships, including myths and facts, benefits, industries you can do a traineeship in, trainee videos, interviews and more.
- Tertiary Options
State-based Tertiary Admission Centres process course applications on behalf of universities, some TAFE institutes, and some private providers.
You can research courses, prerequisites, selection criteria and ATAR profiles for the 2020 intake.
You might even like to check out this article Going onto tertiary study: the facts
Victoria www.vtac.edu.au
NSW & ACT www.uac.edu.au
QLD www.qtac.edu.au
SA & NT www.satac.edu.au
Tasmania www.utas.edu.au
Australia wide search
- TAFE Options
MySkills is the national directory of vocational education (VET) organisations and courses.
Keep an eye on the Job Trainer and Free TAFE https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe?Redirect=1 options which may continue into 2023
TAFE Gippsland – How old to you have to be to study at TAFE?
Possible school leavers are encouraged to check the attached poster from TAFE Gippsland, which outlines some clear age limits associated with accessing TAFE.