Careers Corner
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
VTAC is an excellent site, used by all Careers Practitioners and Year 12 students. Many people don’t realise it’s a great website for all students, particularly those in Years 10-12. Year 12 students will use it to apply for tertiary places during their final terms at school however, there is a wealth of other information for any student who is looking for future courses and options.
The home page prompts you in a range of areas, whether it’s about applications, courses and institutions, access schemes and scholarships, the ATAR and scaling and much more, the information is easily locatable. If you scroll down to the bottom of the home page there is a link to the VTAC Careers Hub. As well as providing students with information, you can also book a careers appointment with a careers practitioner. So if you get the chance, spend a few minutes checking out the website.
The Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Anyone undertaking education and training with a provider outside the school system must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Your USI is your individual education number for life (similar to your Tax File Number). It gives you an online record of your VET training undertaken in Australia, and you can print out your results to take to an employer or to training providers if you are intending to complete further courses.
If you are going to university, TAFE, or completing nationally recognised training, you need a USI. Without one, you can't get Commonwealth financial assistance or your qualification or statement of attainment.
You must have a USI before you can commence any such courses. If you don't already have one, you can create one at www.usi.gov.au.
Note: If you are studying a VET course while still at school you will also need a USI.
The video above gives an overview of the USI, why you need it and how to apply: https://www.usi.gov.au/about-us/news/videos
Brick and Blocklaying
Brick and Blocklayers lay bricks (or blocks), construct and repair walls, partitions, arches and other structures. They study plans and specifications to determine what materials will be needed, then work out dimensions and installation procedures. This is a ‘hands-on’ job and usually requires the completion of an apprenticeship. According to ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, once qualified, the earning capacity is quite high.
Brick & Block Careers is a not-for-profit organisation, helping youth with careers in this trade. They are also hoping to rectify the shortage of workers in this field. Their mission is to promote vacancies, minimise barriers to employment and generate job openings, ensuring to build a solid future for the industry. They aim to attract workers between the ages of 15-25 into the trade, prepare them, then place and retain them in jobs.
If you child shows an interest in brick or blocklaying as a career, check out their website: https://www.brickandblockcareers.org.au/australian-brick-and-blocklaying-training-foundation/