Pathways News

Celebrating CSC Student Pathways Achievements in 2024

As we approach the end of another successful year, the Pathways Team at Craigieburn Secondary College is proud to reflect on a range of remarkable achievements that have helped shape our students' futures. One of the most exciting milestones this year has been the opening of our brand-new Careers Centre. This dedicated space offers students a modern, inviting environment to explore career opportunities, gain valuable insights, and engage with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

A key highlight has been the introduction of termly industry and tertiary guest speakers for each year group. These events have provided students with the invaluable opportunity to hear directly from professionals and academics across a wide range of fields. By engaging with these guest speakers, students have gained real-world perspectives on career options and the skills required to succeed in today’s dynamic job market, enriching their classroom learning and sparking inspiration for their future careers.

This year, we also saw every student in our school complete their Career Action Plan during their SEL or VSS lessons. This initiative has been instrumental in linking classroom learning with the various fields of work, helping students to understand how their education connects to their career aspirations. By reflecting on their goals and developing concrete plans for their future, our students have made significant strides toward becoming proactive and informed individuals ready to pursue their chosen paths.

The increased engagement with our careers website has been another notable achievement. Both parents and students have embraced this online resource, accessing valuable tools, job market insights, and guidance on post-school pathways. The website has become an essential tool for families, enhancing communication between the school and home while helping students navigate career options and access the latest opportunities in education and employment.

The Pathways Team is also thrilled to report record-breaking successes in a range of student achievements. This year, we saw the highest number of Year 9 students complete their Morrisby career assessments, ensuring they have a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for development as they prepare for future study and work.

 Additionally, our Year 10 cohort reached a new high for work experience placements, with more students than ever gaining hands-on industry experience. Perhaps most notably, our Year 12 students achieved the highest number of successful placements in university early entry programs, setting them up for bright futures. These milestones demonstrate the Pathways Team's commitment to empowering students with the tools, guidance, and opportunities needed to succeed in their chosen pathways.

We look forward to supporting our students in 2025! 

Term 4 Careers Incursions: Inspiring Pathways for the Future

This term, students across all year levels had the fantastic opportunity to attend careers-focused incursions featuring guest speakers from various industries and fields. Each speaker shared their unique perspective, providing valuable insights into their roles and career journeys.

Year 7 students heard from Tom Afencenko from the Victorian Institute of Sport. A jujitsu sports champion, Tom spoke about what it takes to train and compete at an elite level. He also highlighted the many career options within the sports industry, including coaching, sports management, and physiotherapy. His inspiring talk encouraged students to see the possibilities in pursuing their passions for sports and fitness. 

Year 8 students participated in a Job Ready Industry Talk led by Meri Grozdanovski, National Manager at Zoom Recruitment. Meri gave students an inside look at the recruitment industry, explaining how she helps people find jobs and companies find the right talent. Her session was packed with practical advice on candidates, clients, workplace expectations and the skills needed to succeed in any industry.

Year 9, Holly Rees, Talent Acquisition Partner from Metro Trains shared insights into the transport and logistics sector. Holly discussed the wide range of careers available at Metro Trains, beyond being a train driver. Positions from engineering to customer service, IT to safety management, her talk highlighted the many pathways students could consider in this essential industry.

Year 10 students were inspired by Dr. Ifrah Abdullahi from Latrobe University, who spoke about Health and Science pathways. Dr. Ifrah encouraged students to follow their interests and passions, especially in fields like healthcare and science. She also emphasized the growing opportunities for women in science, sharing her own journey and advocating for greater diversity in the field.

Year 11, Julia Tran from RMIT University introduced the exciting world of geospatial science. She discussed the unique courses offered at RMIT and the highly lucrative roles available in this rapidly growing field. From mapping technologies to urban planning and environmental management, Julia opened students' eyes to careers they may not have previously considered.

These incursions provided students with valuable knowledge and inspiration as they think about their own future pathways. Whether they left feeling motivated to explore a new field or simply more aware of the many career options out there, our students have been equipped with tools to make informed decisions about their futures.

 Thank you to all our incredible speakers for sharing your time and expertise with our students!

Year 10 Work Experience Week: A Fantastic Learning Experience!

Our Year 10 students stepped out of the classroom and into the real world for their work experience placements in the first week of December. This exciting program gave students the chance to see what it is like to be part of the workforce, explore different career paths, and learn new skills in a hands-on way.

The week was a huge success, the students were full of enthusiasm with great stories to share with visiting staff. They got to experience the ups and downs of working life, and many said it gave them a much better idea of what it takes to succeed in the workplace.

Students worked in a variety of locations, including primary schools, supermarkets, retail stores, bakeries, fruit markets, and motor mechanic workshops. This range of placements meant there was something for everyone, and many students discovered interests or talents they had not realised they had before. Some found the experience confirmed areas they are not interested in and their future career goals, while others discovered new possibilities they are excited to explore.

More than just learning about jobs, students gained valuable life skills like time management, teamwork, and communication. Being in a professional environment taught them the importance of responsibility and working well with others—lessons that will stick with them in the years ahead!

We are incredibly grateful to all the businesses and organisations that welcomed our students and gave them such meaningful experiences. Your support has made a real difference in helping them understand what it is like to work in the real world.

Well done to all our Year 10 students for taking on this challenge with such enthusiasm and a positive attitude. The skills and confidence you have gained this week will no doubt help you in your future studies, jobs, and beyond!

VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS)

As we near the end of the final term of 2024, our college community would like to commend the efforts and achievements of 14 Year 11 students who completed their first year of the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) course. These students received units of competency that contribute to their successful completion of the VCE Vocational Major at Craigieburn Secondary College, as well as tremendous feedback about their progress throughout the year. Most students will be continuing their VETDSS course at Kangan Institute in their final year of secondary schooling and will be joined by 17 more VCE VM students beginning Year 11 in 2025. 

VETDSS enables our students to get real hands-on experience within a chosen industry, obtain a nationally recognised qualification and increase their career prospects by combining their secondary school studies with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) program. Studying an external VET provides our students with the skills and ability to achieve competencies which will enhance their employment and further training prospects, delivers ‘work-ready’ knowledge and skills applicable to a variety of career paths in their chosen industry and may shorten the duration of an apprenticeship program after Year 12 through credit recognition. 

VETDSS courses include a Certificate II in Building and Construction, Electrotechnology, Automotive Mechanical, Automotive Autobody and a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education or Beauty Services. 

Student participation in these courses demonstrates the many benefits of the alternative learning pathway engendered by the VCE Vocational Major at Craigieburn Secondary College. VET is an important component of the VCE Vocational Major, but it is also available for students pursuing VCE and can be selected in Year 10. Two of our students, Armando Aziz of Year 10 and Norveno Elia of Year 11, were invited to the Hume Whittlesea LLEN Vocational Education Awards this November to celebrate their VET Achievements. Armando was nominated for his achievements in VET Business at our school and Norveno for his achievements in VET Building and Construction at Kangan Institute (VETDSS). Adriano Fioretti of Year 12 was also awarded for his achievements in his school-based apprenticeship in cabinet making and timber technology. 

The Pathways team and our wider college community would like to congratulate our current VETDSS students for pursuing this opportunity and we look forward to watching their progress and success next year. We are excited to expand this opportunity to a greater number of students and we hope to continue to support the academic and personal growth of our senior cohort in 2025. 

Pictured Above: Kayra Gultekin, Jalil Mizo, Nissan Nissan, Brodie Diver, Hope Oloapu, Ayden Wintour-Ritchie. (Year 11) Absent: Harley Pezzimenti, Mustafa Nissan, Husain Al Jibury, Ethan Clark, Emily Afaese, Anthony Sekulovski, Norveno Elia and Frans Bahina. (Year 11) 

Above Left: Armando Aziz for VET Business achievement (Year 10), pictured with mother and grandmother.  Above Right: Armando Aziz for VET Business Achievement (Year 10). Bottom: Adriano Fioretti for SBAT Achievement (Year 12)

STEM to the Rescue

Overview of Placement

This Defence Work Experience placement has been developed to showcase a variety of STEM careers available in Defence and Defence Industry. 

In collaboration with the Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre, various Defence organisations and Defence Industry involved with state-of-the art STEM programs, this program will enable participants to address and resolve real-world STEM challenges through an immersive program that includes visiting a variety of STEM related Defence and Industry facilities. 

In this placement, you may have an opportunity to observe and gain an introduction to the application of research in engineering fields. You will be introduced to Defence and Industry scientists, engineers and technicians. This will allow you to learn about how new science & technology capabilities are developed to address a variety of current and emerging challenges. 

In addition to having the opportunity to tour a variety of Defence and Industry facilities and speak to many scientists, you will also work as part of a team to solve a STEM challenge that reflects a real-world problem.

Through the tours of the various research facilities, students will have the opportunity to view equipment up close that is not normally open or accessible to the public. Some of the equipment on display may include: 

• 3D scanning and printing technologies; 

• Virtual and Mixed Reality simulators; and 

• Drones and facilities to address various emergency situations. Lunches and snacks will be provided daily. 

Special Conditions of Placement 

Assessment Criteria 

You will be required to answer the following questions when completing your online application: 

1. What STEM subjects/areas are of particular interest to you? How do you think this Defence STEM work experience will assist you in choosing a future career pathway? 

2. Are you currently involved in STEM related activities/projects within school, or outside school? If so, please outline the activities and your involvement. 

3. Describe your interest and hobbies (e.g. your participation in science, programs, organisations, volunteering, part time jobs, hobbies, additional schooling etc.). 

Eligibility 

This Work Experience opportunity is for secondary students only. Applicants/candidates must be an Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident of Australia. Age Group – Students participating in this Defence work experience placements must be a minimum of 15 years of age at the time of the placement.

What Happens Next? 

IMPORTANT: Applications must be submitted via the online application system prior to the placement closing date. Additional information on completing an online application can be found on the Help page. 

1. To make an application, you will need to register for an account. Use the email account that you access most regularly.

2. You may be required to answer assessment criteria questions as part of the application process. Make sure all questions are answered and provide detailed responses.

3. Following the advertised closing date, an assessment of applications will commence.

4. The regional Work Experience Team will advise you of the outcome of your application.

5. If successful, you will receive a letter of offer containing information about the placement and a Defence Work Experience Placement Agreement. To accept the placement offer:

      a. complete the Work Experience Agreement;

      b. ensure all relevant sections are signed by yourself, your parent/guardian (if you are           under the age of 18) and your Education Institution Representative (e.g. Careers                     Advisor or Vocational Education Teacher).

      c. submit your completed Work Experience Placement Agreement to                                         vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au (see letter of offer for details)

6. You will receive a reminder email or SMS before the placement start date.  Check your email inbox regularly for updates.

If you are experiencing difficulties in submitting your application contact the Defence Work Experience Program: defence.workexperienceprogram@defence.gov.au. 

Note: Contact the Contact Officer with any queries related to your application. 

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Defence.