Career 4sight Program

Year 10 virtual work skills program

Unfortunately, with recent COVID restrictions, many of our Year 10 students are unable to attend their work experience placement. To ensure students were still able to develop work skills and to give them an opportunity to complete some form of work experience, the students participated in a virtual work skills program called ‘The Careers Department’. Students can use this platform to investigate careers, create a resume and learn more about the industries of interest to them. 

The Year 10s started by completing a self-assessment of their individual skills and talents. They then investigated the future of work by identifying skills that are in demand and those that are declining. Then they selected an industry they would like to pursue on leaving school and learnt more about the expectations of employers in this industry. This was achieved by listening to recorded phone interviews with employers and employees working in different industries. The final work skills task involved looking at three jobs that are predicted to grow exponentially in demand between 2020 and 2030. A case study of ‘Snapchat’ was used as the platform to show them what these new jobs involved. 

The highlight of the week was students completing a virtual work experience activity. They chose a career from over 300 choices and were assigned a task that was representative of the work that they would be completing in this career. The students completed this task and then submitted it to The Careers Department who will provide them with feedback on their work that they can then include in their resume.

This program will be further extended with students participating in a work skills program called ‘MAXME’ during their wellbeing periods in Term 3. Shelford was selected as a pilot school for this program.

Early entry programs for study in 2022

Year 12 students looking to enter university in 2022 have the opportunity to apply for some early entry programs that have currently opened for applications. 

Australian Catholic University (ACU) – The ACU Guarantee Program offers Year 12 students the opportunity to apply for a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. Offers can be made as early as July. Applicants still complete Year 12 exams but entry is based on Year 11 results. Students can also include a personal statement that gives the University the opportunity to get an insight into their personal circumstances and why the student wished to study at University. Applications are open now and close on 24 September.

La Trobe University Aspire Program – The Aspire Early Admissions Program rewards students for their involvement in community, leadership and volunteering activities by giving an early conditional offer into a chosen course at La Trobe. As part of the program, students will also have access to Year 12 revision lectures and VCE study guides once they have submitted an Aspire application. If they are successful they will also have an additional $1500 funding towards student exchange opportunities and a range of Aspire rewards including networking opportunities and industry mentoring. Successful students will also be in the running to receive one of 40 scholarships. The conditional offer will give students a minimum ATAR they need to achieve in order to be able to gain their early offer.

Swinburne University – Swinburne University have announced that they will be offering an early entry program but details are yet to be announced. This will be communicated at a later date.

Cath Freney

Careers and Future Pathways Coordinator