Pathways and Transition

JTC Career Tools

Welcome back to school! Thank you for taking the time to read through the Pathways and Transition component of the JTC weekly newsletter. To get in touch regarding matters concerning Pathways and Transition, please contact Jane Hedley, Head of Pathways and Transition: 9383 0416 or jane.hedley@cewa.edu.au 

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

• University open days 2023
• University news
• Medicine News
• Training and VET news
• Senior school opportunities
• Career-building opportunities and resources
• People with a disability news
• Spotlight – UNSW

University open days 2023

Save the date! Here are the dates for 2023 university open days, registration links to follow in 2023.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

New 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.

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 which 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 student’s study skills for further study or work.

Murdoch to get new $320m agricultural biosecurity and primary industries facility

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is replacing its old laboratory facilities in South Perth with new facilities at Murdoch University to be in 2027. 

Students interested in practical and research agriculture science and technology will have a world class facility located on the south eastern corner of the campus. 

Which University is Best in WA – Good Universities Guide 2022/23 Ranking

Edith Cowan University led Western Australia with 82.6% of students being satisfied with the overall quality of their educational experience. It is ranked third in Australia, behind Bond University on the Gold Coast, which was ranked first again (85.5%), and Avondale University (82.8%) north of Sydney. 

Universities in WA 2022/23 Ranking from Good Universities Guide

Graduate Outcomes

MEDICINE NEWS 

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)

If you are thinking of doing medicine when you finish school, there are three barriers that you must pass:

1. Great ATAR scores
2. Great results on the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) 
3. Shortlisted candidates will undertake a round of interviews. 

In 2023 the UCAT is undertaken online starting from 3 July but you must book your test from 1st March.

TRAINING AND VET NEWS

Try a Trade Term 1 Holiday Program for Year 9 and older

The Construction Training Fund delivers fully funded opportunities for students in year 9 and above to experience careers in the building industry during holidays. 

You can find details and register your interest HERE. 

South Metropolitan TAFE gains key role in WA defence industry plan

South Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia will receive new state-of-the-art training equipment under the state’s latest defence industry blueprint that will give it a key role in naval manufacturing. 

The Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27 was launched last week. It sets out the approach to skilling WA's defence industry workforce through collaboration across schools, TAFEs, specialist training providers, universities, and unions.

Construction Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program

Take the first step towards a career in construction while still at school with our Scholarship Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The course is designed to combine work experience, training and education while helping students explore and plan career options.

The Construction Training Fund Scholarship Program is an innovative way to get a head start and work towards a building and construction apprenticeship. Suitable for Year 11 and Year 12 students, our Pre-Apprenticeship Scholarship Program is highly regarded by employers and may provide credits or reduced time as an apprentice.

Each year scholarships are awarded to students in Western Australia with a passion for the building industry. Gain experience and unlock job-ready training while completing school.

Register HERE.

Construction has started on the new Balga TAFE Campus

Work on this long overdue upgrade of the Balga TAFE campus has begun. It will provide new facilities for building and construction, electrical and automotive trades. 

There will be new facilities for English and migrant education programs as well as computer laboratories and a new library. 

The new buildings are due to be completed by the end of 2024. 

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. 

Electrical Group Training has apprenticeships waiting to be filled

The skills shortage was hitting our building industries even before the floods in Fitzroy Crossing put more pressure on the industry to deal with that crisis. 

If you know of anyone who is interested in taking up an electrical apprenticeship, Electrical Group Training has been in touch saying that they have positions waiting to be filled. 

You can contact them HERE. 

SENIOR SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

2023 WACE Manual

This is your opportunity to find everything you need to know about senior secondary school WACE qualifications in one spot. 

For example, it has:

• A summary of WACE requirements
• Different study options.
• Course outlines

Teachers use information in the WACE Manual to make sure you are enrolled in appropriate courses and to explore what different study options you can take. 

The publication is free and you can check out what is needed and what is possible HERE.

UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program

If you are aiming for an ATAR of 98+ consider going for a Fogarty scholarship. 

This is a prestigious scholarship that is awarded to 10 outstanding year 12 graduates each year. 

To be eligible you must demonstrate outstanding achievement across Years 11 & 12. 

Find out about the program 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. 

Senior school Language

Here is a quick guide to some of the acronyms and initials that you will her in senior school. 

You can download a free copy HERE. 

CAREER-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES

Term 1 Enrol now: Acting and Performance Making School Years 7 – 12

Students in years 7 – 12 can start their careers in performing arts through these weekend courses in Acting and Performance Making at WAAPA. 

Bookings are done on a term-by-term basis and each term has a particular focus.

See details HERE Cost: $530 per term. 

*WAAPA offers several bursary places for students who experience financial barriers to participation. 

Please contact Gabrielle Metcalf at explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au for more information.

6 February Get into maths out-of-school for primary and secondary students

Out-of-school maths enrichment classes run weekly at Curtin for mathematically talented students from years 5 – 11.

The aim of the program is to increase the student’s interest in mathematics by engaging them in challenges to enhance their mathematical problem-solving skills. 

Find the schedule and enrol in a class that suits you HERE.  Cost $385

10 February – 5 March Festival of Perth Creative Learning Program

Summer in Perth is the season for performing arts.

The Festival of Perth Creative Learning Program brings opportunities for primary and secondary school students to engage with literature, music, visual arts and dance. 

Check out the program and book in to one of the great opportunities to supercharge your career. You can find details HERE. 

Entrepreneurship for 12 – 17 year old 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 programs for students aged 12 - 17 years to upskill in entrepreneurship concepts.

Check out what is available HERE. 

If you want help to organise and market your small business, you can also get in touch with the WA government’s Small Business Development Corporation for free advice.

Develop these skills if you want a job

Employers identified that they wanted these skills in the latest National Skills Overview: 

• adaptability*, 
• analytical,
• digital, and 
• collaboration skills

You can see details of this interesting analysis of our work world HERE. 

*Adaptability includes emotional intelligence and resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility. This is an interesting new development given the significant rise in young people identifying that they have high levels of distress. 

MyFuture – your one stop shop for career information

Do quizzes, watch career videos, check out courses and what happens when you get into the job. MyFuture takes you on a career exploration pathway. 

MyFuture is delivered by ALL Australian governments. The information is not biased by someone trying to sell you something. They have a strong privacy policy and DO NOT share your data. 

You can register HERE. 

31 March Applications Close for Rotary Youth Exchange 2024

Successful applicants for the Rotary Youth Exchange program spend 12 months in a foreign country with board and accommodation provided by host families. 

Students must be between the ages of 15 and 18 on the 1 January on the year of their exchange. 

Young people make lifelong friends, change their world views and have a brilliant time. 

Contact Rotary Youth Exchange Western Australia for details on how to apply. 

What Job Opportunities are available?

You can check out the total number of people employed in a job in Australia by going to Labour Market Insights. 

The page gives a breakdown of employment outlook, earnings and hours worked and job tasks. 

It is well set out and easy to follow. Check it out HERE. 

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY NEWS

Support for Australian Apprentices with Disability

The Australian Government provides support to Australian Apprentices with disability to help them to reach their full potential as skilled workers. A range of assistance is available including tutorial, mentoring and interpreting services as well as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS) incentive, which is paid to employers.

Find out more and how to claim HERE.

Employment Pathways for People with Intellectual Disability

Everyone Can Work is a website designed to help people with intellectual disability and their families to understand the supports available to get into open employment. 

School Leavers kit for students with Disability

A School Leavers Information Kit specifically designed for school leavers with disability has been developed. You can find a copy HERE. 

Entry Roles Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

Find information about entry roles supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing HERE.

SNAPSHOTS

Spotlight - UNSW

Find out everything you need to know about study, living, support, and more at UNSW in this spotlight from Study Work Grow.

Jane Hedley

Head of Pathways and Transition

Direct: (08) 9383 0416

Email: Jane.Hedley@cewa.edu.au