Careers and Pathways

Careers & Pathways Newsletter
Term 3, Week 3, 2020
VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS 2020Some of the links and dates published in last week’s newsletter on the various Virtual Open Days on offer in July, August and September this year, have been updated by the Institutions. To download a copy of the updated Virtual Open Days, click HERE.
Year 10, 11 and 12 students are encouraged to register for Open Days. Open Days help future students make informed decisions about potential courses of study post-secondary school. This is your opportunity to obtain current course information on the courses that interest you.
Subject Selection for Year 10 students, Prerequisites and Entry for Study in 2023
This week parents and students were invited to attend the Year 10 to Senior School information evening online. A series of videos are available on MAZCOM from various Mazenod College staff including:
- Mr Tony Coghlan – Principal
- Mr Robert Mann - Year 10 Coordinator
- Mr Noel Jenkinson - Deputy Principal – Curriculum
- Mrs Pier Bourne – Dean of Senior School
- Mr Leigh Harris – VCAL/VET Coordinator and:
- Ms Vivian Seremetis – Careers Coordinator.
If you missed this information session and the available Google Meets, students and parents are invited to CLICK HERE to access the MAZCOM page and review the videos and resources listed. Of importance is the following:
- Mazenod College Subject Selection Handbook 2021 – list of all available subjects within the VCE and VCAL at Mazenod College.
- VTAC Prerequisite Guide for 2023 Entry – VTAC overview of the prerequisite subjects required for courses in 2023. This is a list of all University and TAFE courses and their required subjects for admission.
All students and parents are encouraged to review the Morrisby Online profile completed by your son earlier this year. This is a fantastic starting point for discussion in terms of potential careers and courses for the future (at the completion of year 12). Within the Morrisby Profile, many students have already completed a list of proposed subjects for the VCE or VCAL. It is a great opportunity to reflect on your thoughts and finalise your subject selection for 2021.
News from Federation University
- Guaranteed ATARs
A Guaranteed ATAR enables students to plan and list their course preferences with confidence. This means that students have complete transparency when choosing their courses and can make informed decisions about their future now. So, should a student receive an ATAR equal to or above the guaranteed ATAR, meet the course prerequisites and any ‘essential requirements for admission’, Fed Uni will guarantee a place in the course/program applied for. Visit Guaranteed ATARs at FUA to find out more about which courses are included.
- New Courses on offer
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
- Bachelor of Professional Accounting
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Fed Future Webinars
Students interested in finding out more about the Bachelor of Food and Nutritional Science or the information on physiotherapy or occupational therapy are encouraged to participate in upcoming webinars. Find out more and register here.
CASPer Entry Requirements for Teacher Qualifications
CASPer is an online test designed to assess an applicant’s personal and professional attributes. CASPer is a requirement of applying to many initial teaching training courses in Victoria - CASPer
Most universities offering undergraduate teaching courses will be requiring students sit the CASPer online test as part of the selection into teaching degrees in 2021. Students are encouraged to browse VTAC from early August and learn which courses will require the CASPer for selection. Students might also like to browse CASPer – how it works and have a look at some sample scenarios. NOTE: Deakin University will be hosting a dedicated CASPer test webinar on Wednesday 16 September 2020 from 5.00pm – 6.00pm and students keen on studying teaching are encouraged to register and participate even if they are considering a teraching course at another institution.
New Courses at RMIT in 2021
RMIT is offering four new courses for enrolment from 2021. Students are encouraged to browse the following links.
• Bachelor of Business (Blockchain Enabled Business
• Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Business (Information Systems)
• Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance)
La Trobe Bachelor of Biomedicine to Master of Physiotherapy
The Bachelor of Biomedicine at La Trobe University is a suitable degree to use as a pathway to the 2-year Master of Physiotherapy Practice. Students should note that La Trobe graduates are given first preference when applying for this program. So, as long as students ensure they complete compulsory tertiary-level subjects in anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology and biomechanics, and meet the minimum requirements of a WAM of 65 per cent and all relevant prerequisites, they set themselves up to be eligible to be considered for entry into the Master of Physiotherapy Practice.
The Master of Physiotherapy Practice is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council, and graduates of the Master of Physiotherapy Practice may be eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. For more information visit Master of Physiotherapy Practice
New Education Courses at Deakin in 2021
From Trimester 1 2021, the existing Bachelor of Education (Early Years) will be replaced with the following new courses: • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – 3 years duration • Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education – 4 years duration The introduction of a new three-year early childhood degree will provide students with an opportunity to enter the workforce 12 months sooner. The new four-year combined degree allows for maximum flexibility for students to pursue a career in either early childhood or primary education settings. The two degrees have been structured in a way that allows early childhood students to seamlessly transition into the combined degree, to complete the primary education component, should they wish to do so. These new courses will be promoted during Deakin’s upcoming Virtual Open Day on Sunday 16 August, so students keen on finding out more might like to register for the Virtual Open Day here.
Snapshot of Deakin – Waurn Ponds Campus in 2020
- Deakin has a long history of working with local and international industry and business to turn ideas into commercial reality, solve real-world problems and provide current and future employees with the skills they need for 21st century careers.
- The Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus is home to the Geelong Technology Precinct. The precinct focuses on Deakin's core research capabilities in materials, biotechnology, chemistry, and environmental engineering, along with regional strengths in manufacturing and agri-processing.
- The Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus is also home to the CADET building – the Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training. The $55 million state-of-the-art facility houses some of the most advanced and future-focused simulation and visualisation systems, purpose-built interactive laboratories and learning environments in the country.
- The 4-year Medical Imaging course offered by Deakin is taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus - Medical Imaging. The department is a fully equipped x-ray department, and students have access to adult-sized human models designed to be x-rayed and reflect human-like responses to x-rays.
- Deakin University's Faculty of Health offers the Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry - Optometry. Students have access to a dedicated simulated optometry store for simulated exercises. Deakin Optometry is housed in the Regional Community Health Hub (REACH) building.
- Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences - Exercise & Sport Science - is also in the REACH building. Again, exercise & sport science students have access to state-of-the-art equipment. Of note is the added fact that Deakin's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences is ranked the number one sport science school in the world, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
- The School of Medicine - School of Medicine – is another state-of-the-art facility at the Deakin Waurn Ponds Campus – opened in 2008 and offers a 4-year graduate medical degree, with 2 years of pre-clinical education at the University campus in Waurn Ponds, and then 2 years clinical education and experience in one of its clinical schools – hospitals as far-flung as Ballarat to Box Hill.
- The Geelong Waurn Ponds student accommodation is only a 15 minutes from the Geelong CBD and five minutes from Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre. A new 320 bed accommodation precinct will be ready for Trimester 1, 2021 offering students a contemporary, affordable, high-quality living experience.
MEGT Apprenticeships and Employment
MEGT is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting local employers, apprentices, trainees, job seekers and students for over 35 years.
Experienced local consultants work across every state in Australia, and in the ACT helping Aussie businesses, apprentices and trainees get the most from the Australian Apprenticeships program.MEGT has over 35 years of experience in matching job seekers and employers, and they have a higher than the national average apprenticeship completion rate.
MEGT has a Career Hub packed full with tools and information for potential apprentices and trainees, and students considering an apprenticeship or traineeship are encouraged to register on the Career Hub and receive support in searching for an apprenticeship or traineeship. Once registered, job seekers have access to a range of tools and information to assist them in their search for an apprenticeship or traineeship, including our Career Quiz, Skills Assessment, and job seeker toolkit. The Career Hub Team will chat with job seekers about any questions they might have about becoming an apprentice or trainee or connect them with one of the MEGT Career Advisors, who can provide guidance on appropriate training and development pathways. Register here.
Komatsu Apprenticeship Program 2021
Applications are open for Komatsu’s 2021 Apprenticeship Program. This is a great opportunity to kick-start your career. As part of your apprenticeship you will learn both in the classroom and on the job. You can earn a nationally-recognised qualification in the following areas:
- Plant Mechanics
- Auto & High Voltage Electrical
- Boilermaker/Welder
- Certificate III in Business Management
They are currently offering positions at the following locations:
- NSW: Sydney, Wollongong, Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Gunnedah
- QLD: Brisbane, Mackay, Gladstone, Emerald, Townsville
- VIC: Melbourne, Pakenham
- WA: Perth
- SA: Adelaide
- TAS: Hobart
Applications are open until Sunday 9 August.
Find out more and apply HERE
VET Mythbusters free webinar: A parent’s guide to Vocational Education & Training (VET)
Lots of parents don't realise that students can study a vocational course at school, still get an ATAR and go to university, that they can start an apprenticeship at school, or that VET graduates start on higher wages than most university graduates. In fact a lot of parents don't really know what VET is, full stop.
The Australian Parents Council is determined to try and help change this, so that parents can help their children make smart choices about their future. And with everything that young people are facing at the moment as they venture into an uncertain world, there's never been a better time to help parents understand the full range of options available to students in school and beyond.
Join the Australian Parents Council in their free VET Mythbusters webinar on Thursday August 27, 7.30-9.30pm, AEST.
The session is designed to answer parent questions about what vocational education and training is, and aims to provide up to date, relevant information so parents can help guide their children into a rewarding career.
The webinar will explore the choices available to students, alternative career paths, apprenticeships and work placements, support for trainees, and the flexible options to help young people upskill and get ready for work.
A panel of industry experts, training providers and careers advisors will be ready to answers everyone's questions. Parents can even submit questions to the panel ahead of time via media@austparents.edu.au.
The webinar is open to all parents and students across Australia. Simply register via https://austparents.edu.au/event/vet-mythbusters-a-parents-guide-to-vocational-education-and-training/
Ms Vivian Seremetis
Careers Coordinator